THE END? OR JUST THE BEGINNING?
So, for the last day of BEDA, I thought I would do something I did on Christmas Eve. Namely, I blogged for MANY HOURS, answering questions and giving things away on a rolling basis. I’m doing this today from noon to six.
So this blog will change ALL DAY LONG. Keep checking back to find answers to questions and maybe catch a SPONTANEOUS Scarlett giveaway!
This morning, I went down my street to buy something and I noticed that the house next to my apartment building, smack in the middle of the street . . . was gone. GONE. I was out yesterday, and they TOOK IT AWAY. Which means that we must start the day on this musical note, with Madness, one of the all-time most awesome bands, singing about their house in the middle of the street:
I look forward to your QUESTIONS. See you SOON.
QUESTION #1
Kali asks: When are you going to TRAPEZE SCHOOL? And can we come with you? I think we should have a small gathering in which we go together. Moral support and the likes.
The current plan is that I will be going around the time of BEA (Book Expo America), which is a massive publishing event here in New York. This is because my agent wants to watch. But because I'm not TOTALLY stupid, I have enlisted someone who is POSSIBLY AS SCARED AS I AM to come with me. Yes, I will be taking Twilight Boy Kaleb Nation up to the platform with me. As the scheduling firms up and things are put into place, I will update on this. TRUST ME. I will be talking about it ALL THE TIME. I don't actually know if people can go. It's a private school. I'll talk to them. But WHO WOULD COME TO THAT???
QUESTION #2
Hilary asks: As a fellow catholic school girl and someone from the Philly suburbs, how do you give a class presentation WITHOUT FREAKING OUT?!
The important thing to remember about class presentations is that pretty much no one in the entire class cares what you are saying. Everyone is: a). freaking out for the presentation THEY are about to give, b). recovering from giving a presentation, or c). sleeping with their eyes open.
The only exceptions to this rule are:
YOUR FRIENDS: Who are watching to make sure you survive
THE GRADE OBSESSED: Who think everything is a competition
THE PERKY PEOPLE WHO PAY ATTENTION TO EVERYTHING: Who are far too awake
THE PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T FINISHED PREPARING: Who are watching you for hints
THE EVIL: Who like to mess with people at the front of the class
YOUR TEACHER
Looking at that list, I realize that in fact MANY people are watching, all with different motives. I offer three suggestions:
1. Go early
2. Make it short
3. Show a video/give out candy whenever possible
That's just the survival plan. If you are asking how to give a presentation with STYLE, that is a different matter! Is that what you are asking?
QUESTION #3
TiffanySchmidt asks: My 6th graders requested ABBA for writing music. They call it: "the musical form of caffeine" Wonder where they got that? ;)
Some days I truly feel like my work is done.
QUESTION #4
Death Pixie asks: As an author, how do you react to criticism especially when the critic is another author??
It's actually pretty rare (in my experience) that another author offers criticism.* Not to your face, anyway. Unless they are writing a formal review with a byline, just slamming your book randomly is pretty bad form. At least, in my world. People may be saying ALL KINDS of things about your book in private that you will never know. And it's really much better that way.
But reviews, in general? Honestly, it's best not to give them much time. People have opinions about everything. Reviews are just some specific people writing down some specific opinions. Reviewers themselves vary wildly as well. You don’t need to take a test or anything to be a reviewer. Depending on where you are reviewing, it might not be that hard at all to get the job. I was hired as a reviewer in grad school. They gave me $50 and a book and I used it as a chance to show off and take out my frustrations, which is pretty common. Some reviewers are excellent. Some reviewers are really bad. Some reviewers are great, but just aren't right for your book. Some reviewers praise your book unfairly, or dismiss it because they are having a bad day. Good reviewers write poor reviews sometimes, and really awful reviewers occasionally hit the nail on the head.
No matter what, it’s a lot of noise. You can’t listen to what everyone thinks. You just can’t. You’ll go insane. It won’t help you. (I discussed this once here.) You have to learn who to listen to, and how to trust yourself and your own voice.
Think about it: what if you asked a hundred people to give opinions on what you are wearing today. A hundred totally random, opinionated people who like to tell other people what they think. You’d get a hundred or so different reports. Some people would be nice. Some people would just be mean because that’s how they get their fun. Some people would try to “help” you by suggesting things that THEY would wear, things that you don’t like and don’t have and wouldn’t suit you anyway. What would you do with all of that information? You’d go and hide under your bed. Because that much random input is meaningless. You couldn’t put on an outfit that would please them ALL. It’s UNPOSSIBLE!
It’s useless when too many people are talking.
Which doesn’t mean to say that you (and by you, I mean me) ignore what everyone says about your book. It means that you just have to be very selective in what moves you, and you have to have confidence in what you are doing, and learn to find useful pieces of information in all of the things being thrown at you.
That being said . . . if you like Suite Scarlett, why not take the time right now to leave a nice review here or here? "But why?" you ask. "You just said it was TOO MUCH!"
For the author, it is. But for people looking for things to read, your positive recommendation is VERY VALUABLE! I am ENORMOUSLY grateful when people leave nice reviews. And if you didn't like the book, well, you can say that too. But you can also just go HERE instead!
I'm in the mood to give out a book soon. Very soon. I should propose a challenge of some sort to win it . . .
*thinks*
OKAY . . . FIRST prize giveaway of the day! FIRST one! It's a SIGNED SCARLETT to a random commenter. I'll choose at 4:30 (that's one hour and 15 minutes from NOW). So ASK MORE QUESTIONS!
I'll make the next challenge into an actual challenge. But for now, it's time to just give away a Scarlett to celebrate.
QUESTION #5
brnh asks: Any suggestions for making OUR last post of BEDA special? I've reached a blogging lull and could use the help...
Here are just a FEW things you can do:
1. Go and read some BEDA blogs at random. Write a FULL RESPONSE to someone you don't know.
2. Write a letter to me or a review of Suite Scarlett. I WILL READ IT IF YOU SEND ME THE LINK VIA E-MAIL.
3. Make up a recipe. Test it out. It does not have to be GOOD.
4. Write some FAN FICTION.
5. Write an open letter to something of yours that doesn't work right. Tell it off.
QUESTION #6
Tobias asks: Should I grow a beard?
This is really up to you, Tobias. I have to admit that I am not personally a fan of beards. Oh sure, sometimes I see one that looks right. But in general, I admire clean-shavenness. I think it makes you guys seem very, very clever, the way you debeard yourselves! I like a nice CHIN. I can't help it. It is just the way I am. My personal preferences come through.
Why not ask yourself this question: WHAT WOULD JOHN BARROWMAN DO?
[NEWSBREAK! It looks like someone read what I wrote above and left a new nice review of Scarlett on Amazon! I LOVE YOU! In fact, if you leave a nice review of Scarlett on Amazon or BN, I will MARRY YOU. That's right. MARRY YOU. Think of the joy we will experience together!]
Okay . . .
QUESTION #7
rubber ducky asks: The guy I have a crush on forgot my name today. I am trying to be optimistic and saying it's because he only knows my nickname. Am I delusional?
This is the BEST POSSIBLE NEWS! You see, when you REALLY LIKE someone, you sometimes lose control of some of the finer functions of your mind. Which is why conversations like this happen. Say you're working at, oh, I don't know . . . Starbucks. And the person who you like comes in for a coffee.
PERSON WHO IS LIKED: Hi.
YOU: *blank stare*
PWIL: Um . . .
YOU: (overly loud) Oh HI! HI!!!!!!!!!!!
PWIL: Can I have a grande latte?
YOU: What?
PWIL: Can I have a grande latte?
YOU: What?
PWIL: Can I have a . . .
YOU: OH MY GOD! I thought you said GRANDMA! *burst of inappropriate laughter* Yeah. I thought you said . . . um, what? Hi, by the way!
PWIL: Hi. Can I have a grande latte?
YOU: That . . . is my favorite drink.
PWIL: Oh really?
YOU: Yes.
PWIL: Can I have one?
YOU: What?
PWIL: A grande latte.
YOU: Oh, right! *more laughter* Sure. SURE! Let me just. *random hitting of keys, accidentally charge $49.99* Oh, um . . . forget that! It's on me! What's your nam . . . oh, I know your name. I mean, I don't, like whisper it to myself at night before I go to sleep or anything!
PWIL: *just kind of looks at you*
YOU: *panic*
PWIL: *just kind of looks at you*
YOU: Any . . . pastry?
PWIL: I'm good.
YOU: YEAH you are!
PWIL: *just stares at you*
YOU: So . . .
PWIL: Can I have my coffee?
YOU: What?
So, not worry, Rubber Ducky! I have no doubt that the person in question was actually singing this to himself in his head:
[NEWSFLASH! The first WINNER of TODAY is Mrs.JasperHale08. Send an ADDRESS! Another book will be given away SHORTLY! But I think I will make it MORE CHALLENGING. Ideas?]
[SONG BREAK]
I think we need some more Madness, don't you? Here's another one of their MOST AWESOME SONGS. I dedicate it to YOU.
QUESTION #8
Laura asks: I am in a Creative Writing class full of people who are clearly better than me. It is embarrassing to read my stuff out loud. And too late to drop the class. Although the class is in many ways fun I leave it feeling like a untalented person. What should I do?
First of all, one of the things about loosey-goosey classes like creative writing is that you honestly CAN'T FAIL. Well, you can, but you kind of have to make an effort to do so. For example . . . setting fire to the building. That might do it. But even then, some teachers will be into that.
And this feeling of "everyone is better than me" is something a lot of people experience when it comes to their writing. It sometimes has nothing to do with reality, and everything to do with your own fear. NO, REALLY. I have heard amazing, famous writers cry out, "I suck. I can't write. I should just KILL MYSELF."
So don't give up on the class. Push through. If necessary, make the pushing through THE ENTIRE POINT!
[NEWSFLASH]
Okay, I REALLY HAVE TO PUT ON PANTS SOON. I know, I know. It goes against everything I stand for, but I am going out to one of those places where pants are required. Or skirts. I will probably wear a skirt. Or a TOGA.
Actually, if you are stalking me (and HELLO if you are! I hope you liked those things I left in the trash for you!) . . . I am going to this tonight. It's a benefit for 826NYC, which is an awesome writing program.
I think what I will DO is leave a SERIES OF CHALLENGES on this blog shortly. Then, when I return later tonight, I will look at the results and answer a few more questions.
Also, to those of you who wrote to say you will miss my daily posts . . . THANK YOU! And also, I am cooking up something NEW and potentially MORE STUPID.
QUESTION #9
JD asks: Maureen, what do you do to spice up a desperately boring blog?
Why not throw in a few threats? It worked for the Zodiac Killer. I mean, what was the Zodiac Killer if not just a really determined blogger in the days before blogging?** He also used KOOKY SYMBOLS, and then went out and killed lots of people . . .
*thinks this over*
OR.
Or, you could give stuff away! Like this!
All right . . . I have to go out for a few hours, but when I come back, I will conclude this post! I leave THREE CHALLENGES and chances for you to WIN!
1. Challenge one: Best question. Leave it in the comments. This is pretty much like normal, I know. But today is the last day of BEDA, and I MUST GIVE OUT SOME PRIZES to YOU!
2. SURPRISE ME. You have about six hours. I have many ways of being reached, and many little TENDRILS of myself to surprise. Do something on Twitter, or on this blog, or the Ning, or some other site. I don't want to give you any suggestions, because that would not SURPRISE me. But you have been CHALLENGED.
3. I will give an additional SPECIAL PRIZE to someone who has read Scarlett and leaves a review on the places I've linked to above. It will be a SPECIAL prize.
All right! See you around midnight OR SO! I am off to RAISE MONEY FOR WRITING PROGRAMS!
* I am assuming you mean flat-out negative remarks here. If someone I respect gives me comments I can use, then I'm very happy.
** I guess the answer is: He was a crazy, crazy, crazy serial killer.
So this blog will change ALL DAY LONG. Keep checking back to find answers to questions and maybe catch a SPONTANEOUS Scarlett giveaway!
This morning, I went down my street to buy something and I noticed that the house next to my apartment building, smack in the middle of the street . . . was gone. GONE. I was out yesterday, and they TOOK IT AWAY. Which means that we must start the day on this musical note, with Madness, one of the all-time most awesome bands, singing about their house in the middle of the street:
I look forward to your QUESTIONS. See you SOON.
QUESTION #1
Kali asks: When are you going to TRAPEZE SCHOOL? And can we come with you? I think we should have a small gathering in which we go together. Moral support and the likes.
The current plan is that I will be going around the time of BEA (Book Expo America), which is a massive publishing event here in New York. This is because my agent wants to watch. But because I'm not TOTALLY stupid, I have enlisted someone who is POSSIBLY AS SCARED AS I AM to come with me. Yes, I will be taking Twilight Boy Kaleb Nation up to the platform with me. As the scheduling firms up and things are put into place, I will update on this. TRUST ME. I will be talking about it ALL THE TIME. I don't actually know if people can go. It's a private school. I'll talk to them. But WHO WOULD COME TO THAT???
QUESTION #2
Hilary asks: As a fellow catholic school girl and someone from the Philly suburbs, how do you give a class presentation WITHOUT FREAKING OUT?!
The important thing to remember about class presentations is that pretty much no one in the entire class cares what you are saying. Everyone is: a). freaking out for the presentation THEY are about to give, b). recovering from giving a presentation, or c). sleeping with their eyes open.
The only exceptions to this rule are:
YOUR FRIENDS: Who are watching to make sure you survive
THE GRADE OBSESSED: Who think everything is a competition
THE PERKY PEOPLE WHO PAY ATTENTION TO EVERYTHING: Who are far too awake
THE PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T FINISHED PREPARING: Who are watching you for hints
THE EVIL: Who like to mess with people at the front of the class
YOUR TEACHER
Looking at that list, I realize that in fact MANY people are watching, all with different motives. I offer three suggestions:
1. Go early
2. Make it short
3. Show a video/give out candy whenever possible
That's just the survival plan. If you are asking how to give a presentation with STYLE, that is a different matter! Is that what you are asking?
QUESTION #3
TiffanySchmidt asks: My 6th graders requested ABBA for writing music. They call it: "the musical form of caffeine" Wonder where they got that? ;)
Some days I truly feel like my work is done.
QUESTION #4
Death Pixie asks: As an author, how do you react to criticism especially when the critic is another author??
It's actually pretty rare (in my experience) that another author offers criticism.* Not to your face, anyway. Unless they are writing a formal review with a byline, just slamming your book randomly is pretty bad form. At least, in my world. People may be saying ALL KINDS of things about your book in private that you will never know. And it's really much better that way.
But reviews, in general? Honestly, it's best not to give them much time. People have opinions about everything. Reviews are just some specific people writing down some specific opinions. Reviewers themselves vary wildly as well. You don’t need to take a test or anything to be a reviewer. Depending on where you are reviewing, it might not be that hard at all to get the job. I was hired as a reviewer in grad school. They gave me $50 and a book and I used it as a chance to show off and take out my frustrations, which is pretty common. Some reviewers are excellent. Some reviewers are really bad. Some reviewers are great, but just aren't right for your book. Some reviewers praise your book unfairly, or dismiss it because they are having a bad day. Good reviewers write poor reviews sometimes, and really awful reviewers occasionally hit the nail on the head.
No matter what, it’s a lot of noise. You can’t listen to what everyone thinks. You just can’t. You’ll go insane. It won’t help you. (I discussed this once here.) You have to learn who to listen to, and how to trust yourself and your own voice.
Think about it: what if you asked a hundred people to give opinions on what you are wearing today. A hundred totally random, opinionated people who like to tell other people what they think. You’d get a hundred or so different reports. Some people would be nice. Some people would just be mean because that’s how they get their fun. Some people would try to “help” you by suggesting things that THEY would wear, things that you don’t like and don’t have and wouldn’t suit you anyway. What would you do with all of that information? You’d go and hide under your bed. Because that much random input is meaningless. You couldn’t put on an outfit that would please them ALL. It’s UNPOSSIBLE!
Which doesn’t mean to say that you (and by you, I mean me) ignore what everyone says about your book. It means that you just have to be very selective in what moves you, and you have to have confidence in what you are doing, and learn to find useful pieces of information in all of the things being thrown at you.
That being said . . . if you like Suite Scarlett, why not take the time right now to leave a nice review here or here? "But why?" you ask. "You just said it was TOO MUCH!"
For the author, it is. But for people looking for things to read, your positive recommendation is VERY VALUABLE! I am ENORMOUSLY grateful when people leave nice reviews. And if you didn't like the book, well, you can say that too. But you can also just go HERE instead!
I'm in the mood to give out a book soon. Very soon. I should propose a challenge of some sort to win it . . .
*thinks*
OKAY . . . FIRST prize giveaway of the day! FIRST one! It's a SIGNED SCARLETT to a random commenter. I'll choose at 4:30 (that's one hour and 15 minutes from NOW). So ASK MORE QUESTIONS!
I'll make the next challenge into an actual challenge. But for now, it's time to just give away a Scarlett to celebrate.
QUESTION #5
brnh asks: Any suggestions for making OUR last post of BEDA special? I've reached a blogging lull and could use the help...
Here are just a FEW things you can do:
1. Go and read some BEDA blogs at random. Write a FULL RESPONSE to someone you don't know.
2. Write a letter to me or a review of Suite Scarlett. I WILL READ IT IF YOU SEND ME THE LINK VIA E-MAIL.
3. Make up a recipe. Test it out. It does not have to be GOOD.
4. Write some FAN FICTION.
5. Write an open letter to something of yours that doesn't work right. Tell it off.
QUESTION #6
Tobias asks: Should I grow a beard?
This is really up to you, Tobias. I have to admit that I am not personally a fan of beards. Oh sure, sometimes I see one that looks right. But in general, I admire clean-shavenness. I think it makes you guys seem very, very clever, the way you debeard yourselves! I like a nice CHIN. I can't help it. It is just the way I am. My personal preferences come through.
Why not ask yourself this question: WHAT WOULD JOHN BARROWMAN DO?
[NEWSBREAK! It looks like someone read what I wrote above and left a new nice review of Scarlett on Amazon! I LOVE YOU! In fact, if you leave a nice review of Scarlett on Amazon or BN, I will MARRY YOU. That's right. MARRY YOU. Think of the joy we will experience together!]
Okay . . .
QUESTION #7
rubber ducky asks: The guy I have a crush on forgot my name today. I am trying to be optimistic and saying it's because he only knows my nickname. Am I delusional?
This is the BEST POSSIBLE NEWS! You see, when you REALLY LIKE someone, you sometimes lose control of some of the finer functions of your mind. Which is why conversations like this happen. Say you're working at, oh, I don't know . . . Starbucks. And the person who you like comes in for a coffee.
PERSON WHO IS LIKED: Hi.
YOU: *blank stare*
PWIL: Um . . .
YOU: (overly loud) Oh HI! HI!!!!!!!!!!!
PWIL: Can I have a grande latte?
YOU: What?
PWIL: Can I have a grande latte?
YOU: What?
PWIL: Can I have a . . .
YOU: OH MY GOD! I thought you said GRANDMA! *burst of inappropriate laughter* Yeah. I thought you said . . . um, what? Hi, by the way!
PWIL: Hi. Can I have a grande latte?
YOU: That . . . is my favorite drink.
PWIL: Oh really?
YOU: Yes.
PWIL: Can I have one?
YOU: What?
PWIL: A grande latte.
YOU: Oh, right! *more laughter* Sure. SURE! Let me just. *random hitting of keys, accidentally charge $49.99* Oh, um . . . forget that! It's on me! What's your nam . . . oh, I know your name. I mean, I don't, like whisper it to myself at night before I go to sleep or anything!
PWIL: *just kind of looks at you*
YOU: *panic*
PWIL: *just kind of looks at you*
YOU: Any . . . pastry?
PWIL: I'm good.
YOU: YEAH you are!
PWIL: *just stares at you*
YOU: So . . .
PWIL: Can I have my coffee?
YOU: What?
So, not worry, Rubber Ducky! I have no doubt that the person in question was actually singing this to himself in his head:
[NEWSFLASH! The first WINNER of TODAY is Mrs.JasperHale08. Send an ADDRESS! Another book will be given away SHORTLY! But I think I will make it MORE CHALLENGING. Ideas?]
[SONG BREAK]
I think we need some more Madness, don't you? Here's another one of their MOST AWESOME SONGS. I dedicate it to YOU.
QUESTION #8
Laura asks: I am in a Creative Writing class full of people who are clearly better than me. It is embarrassing to read my stuff out loud. And too late to drop the class. Although the class is in many ways fun I leave it feeling like a untalented person. What should I do?
First of all, one of the things about loosey-goosey classes like creative writing is that you honestly CAN'T FAIL. Well, you can, but you kind of have to make an effort to do so. For example . . . setting fire to the building. That might do it. But even then, some teachers will be into that.
And this feeling of "everyone is better than me" is something a lot of people experience when it comes to their writing. It sometimes has nothing to do with reality, and everything to do with your own fear. NO, REALLY. I have heard amazing, famous writers cry out, "I suck. I can't write. I should just KILL MYSELF."
So don't give up on the class. Push through. If necessary, make the pushing through THE ENTIRE POINT!
[NEWSFLASH]
Okay, I REALLY HAVE TO PUT ON PANTS SOON. I know, I know. It goes against everything I stand for, but I am going out to one of those places where pants are required. Or skirts. I will probably wear a skirt. Or a TOGA.
Actually, if you are stalking me (and HELLO if you are! I hope you liked those things I left in the trash for you!) . . . I am going to this tonight. It's a benefit for 826NYC, which is an awesome writing program.
I think what I will DO is leave a SERIES OF CHALLENGES on this blog shortly. Then, when I return later tonight, I will look at the results and answer a few more questions.
Also, to those of you who wrote to say you will miss my daily posts . . . THANK YOU! And also, I am cooking up something NEW and potentially MORE STUPID.
QUESTION #9
JD asks: Maureen, what do you do to spice up a desperately boring blog?
Why not throw in a few threats? It worked for the Zodiac Killer. I mean, what was the Zodiac Killer if not just a really determined blogger in the days before blogging?** He also used KOOKY SYMBOLS, and then went out and killed lots of people . . .
*thinks this over*
OR.
Or, you could give stuff away! Like this!
All right . . . I have to go out for a few hours, but when I come back, I will conclude this post! I leave THREE CHALLENGES and chances for you to WIN!
1. Challenge one: Best question. Leave it in the comments. This is pretty much like normal, I know. But today is the last day of BEDA, and I MUST GIVE OUT SOME PRIZES to YOU!
2. SURPRISE ME. You have about six hours. I have many ways of being reached, and many little TENDRILS of myself to surprise. Do something on Twitter, or on this blog, or the Ning, or some other site. I don't want to give you any suggestions, because that would not SURPRISE me. But you have been CHALLENGED.
3. I will give an additional SPECIAL PRIZE to someone who has read Scarlett and leaves a review on the places I've linked to above. It will be a SPECIAL prize.
All right! See you around midnight OR SO! I am off to RAISE MONEY FOR WRITING PROGRAMS!
* I am assuming you mean flat-out negative remarks here. If someone I respect gives me comments I can use, then I'm very happy.
** I guess the answer is: He was a crazy, crazy, crazy serial killer.
Labels: BEDA, madness, Suite Scarlett
posted by Maureen at
8:30 PM
194 Comments:
What do you do if you have a friend that DOES blog, but is not reaching their FULL BLOGGING POTENTIAL? They post short posts with mostly pictures or just recap the shows they watch or say they don't have any ideas. And they are a GOOD WRITER, they just don't write enough!
-Maggie
P.S. I think I've said this before, but we should do Blog Every Day September because that would be a funny acronym.
If you had to watch one movie on repeat for a full 24 hours, what movie would it be?
My word verification word is ought so I guess I ought to leave a comment.
I think that the house is now invisible, unplotable, or someone pretending to be a house who now has decided to be something else like a newspaper.
My question is how does a house disappear, and haha I like what Callidora said... maybe she's right. We all see whats in front of us, but but does whats in front of us see us. Hmm these are the questions I think about.
=]
Kayleigh
Man, I loved that song so much it was (wait for it) MADNESS! Yay.
Top 5 ABBA songs. Go.
Hey I just started reading The Bermudez Triangle. Who's your fave of all the girls? Mine is Nina. So. Maybe you wanna go with that. haha. I'm not finished yet. I just got to Labor Day.
Also, are you gonna punish John Green for falling off the BEDA wagon? Can it be public?
Unicorns are real, invading, and about to subdue the human populace. Alan Rickman, their annointed liaison, asks you, personally, to JOIN THEM.
What do you do, man? WHAT DO YOU DO?
Will you fo realzies have a uk event when 13 Little Blue Envelopes comes out?
Um. I'm bad at questions but here's my English prompt from today:
After years of leading a normal life, you discover you have a special ability. Afraid to share this information with anyone, you confide only in your closest friend. What is your ability and how will you use it?
Tx!
Hey,
i dont know if this is going to work, since you get so many better and fun questions to answer. You'll probably ignore my question.
Its worth a shot though. I've asked this question as a comment in another post of yours...
As an author, how do you react to criticism especially when the critic is another author??
hope you answer my question!!
ciao!
what is one of your favorite childhood memories
maureen I just want to thank you for beda, it's been amazing . It really made me open my eyes and get on with everything in my life. 2009 hasn't been my best year, but April has probably been the best month so far, doing beda has been great, reading and writing blogs and people actually reading mine, absolutely spectacular. Your a brilliant writer and honestly one of my heros.
thank you for everything
Becky :)
Hi Maureen! I'm a high school senior about to graduate, and I'm in a social grave. While most of the time I'm happy to lie in it, sometimes it gets lonely. How do I cheer myself up? Is it okay to be alone? Help!!!:( :( :(
Does your wit and overall cuteness always capture the attention of all those around you or are there people who just don't get you?
Describe your writing style for people who haven't read any of your books but plan to run out and buy as many as they can find.
Take Care
Michael
Will you go see the Wolverine movie this weekend?
Hi MJ. Do I have swine flu? Do YOU have swine flu? Does this mean I have to give up eating pork sushi? I mean, if you can eat fish tacos, you can totally eat pork sushi, right? Should I go back to stalking Libba Bray via the inter-webs, or attempt to actually produce a decent article for my school paper like I keep telling my editor I'm working on RIGHT THIS MINUTE while I'm really asking you bizarre, rhetorical, regular-flu, quiche fueled questions?
<3 - Maria
Are you religious?
Maureen!
Any adventures planned for this summer?
They just took the house away? How does that happen?
Also, I now have "our house" stuck in my head. For the rest of the day. But that's fine cause I've never seen the video. :]
What is the best way to celebrate finishing one's freshman year at college Maureen Johnson style?
I no longer see my comment here!! Oh no!! I will ask again!
Soon I am acquiring a kitten and I am stockpiling names to choose from. MJ do you have any suggestions??
If you could eat any one food for a year straight, what would it be?
JenP
jpetroroy@gmail.com
Hey Maureen!
I was just wondering if you could give any tips to an aspiring author. Like what do you do to help writers block, what inspires you, anything like that.
(also I hope I win your book I really want it but unfortunately I wont have enough money to buy it until august =( even though if I do win this I am still going to buying another copy for my sister and prolly another for myself lol)
<3 Josie
Will you, John and Lauren ever be at a signing together? Because it would be crazy awesome :]
btw Team Unicorn FTW!
Also when are you going to come to California? [specifically so cal ;) ]
When you come to England next will you do EVENTS, where I can get shiny books signed and listen to you read stuff?
Dear MJ:
Do you consider It's A Wonderful Life a Christmas movie? I've heard the argument that it's just a movie that takes place partially at Christmas time. Thoughts?
What is/was the strangest book-related craft or project you have ever seen or received?
Why did ABBA start playing from my CD player this morning after I thought I had turned it off? Were you trying to contact me?
What is your opinion on the movie The Princess Bride? Best movie ever?
Who is better: Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire? *cough*Gene Kelly*cough* (Side note: what movie was it he tap danced in rollar skates in?)
ASK MJ question: How do you pass an Astronomy final when you know nothing of Astronomy?
I'd really like to know, because I AM FREAKING OUT.
Where do YOU go on holiday?
What pen do you like to write with? a bic maybe? or are you not fussy :D
if i average out to 30 posts does it still count as blogging every day in april? i never signed up because i found out about it too late. hopefully next time though.
MJ,
What was the worst birthday gift that you ever received? (My birthday was on Sunday so...)
Also, if in the beginning of the year, someone told you you would be blogging every day for a whole month and would go to trapeze school, would you believe them??
Happy last day of BEDA!
Do you have ideas for how I can function without sleep? It's really just a silly old tradition for which I don't have time. *yawns*
I am a random commenter and this is my random comment. =)
I have no questions to ask at the moment, other than, would you please take all of my A Levels for me, because I am pretty sure I'm going to fail them?
As a New Yorker, what advice would you give to someone who lives in a small town, but would like to move to Chicago in the future?
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maureen: What do you do when you are reading about the Catholic Reformation for history homework and all you really want to do is go outside and be in pretty weather but there is NO TIME FOR THIS???? Please help, last night I dreamed of John Calvin...(it was a very boring dream....)
Do you have any tips and suggestions on how to stay conscious throughout a full course of 3 hour accounting classes? I don't think I'll be able to do it twice a week for the next two months and make it out alive! HELP.
I love when you blog for hours on end. I can't wait to get Suite Scarlett!
Can you give us any hints to your next BEDA-like extravaganza??
What was the first thing that you wrote that made you realize that you were a gifted writer?
What books inspired you?
Which authors do you read?
Do you prefer mittens or gloves?
Do you sing in the shower?
If you had three apples and ate one how many apple would you have?
If I answered that last question with "still three, one is now just in your stomach" would that be funny?
Do you have pets?
My son just loves cake, I prefer pie. Do you have a favorite dessert?
Take Care
Michael
How similar was little mj to the big successful MJ you are now?
I'm very mad at my dog right. He ate my brand new Suite Scarlett paperback. Found the left over pages under my bed. There were still some clinging to his fur. But he's so cute i dont know how to punish him!!! Any suggestions???
ah! I love BEDA (and VEDA) :D Thanks for this awesome idea :D, I'm sad it's almost over.
A question.. what's the best thing that happened to you today?
How did you meet all of your New York writer friends? This includes John Green, even though he isn't technically in NY anymore. In your hearts, I guess.
Do you encourage school administration to play music between classes, when everyone is in the hallways? If so, can you recommend some SWEET TUNES?
(They totally did this today, cause it's National Dance Week, it was stupendous)
What is your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?
What did you think when you saw the cover for the first time of "Suite Scarlett?" Did the first cover look like the one that it is now? Or did it have to be tweaked up a bit?
Any suggestions for making OUR last post of BEDA special? I've reached a blogging lull and could use the help...
What is the best way to deal with someone stealing your property while you aren't looking? What protocol should be used if this happens continually (e.g. if someone frequently steals your newspaper in the early hours of the morning)?
Probably been asked before, but who is your favorite author? What is it about their writing in particular that you enjoy? Their characters, the mood, the author's descriptions?
Or if you could only recommend one book that isn't your own to someone which would it be? (I'm sure if your own were included, that Suite Scarlett would be your first choice.)
Thanks, hope you're enjoying the last day in April!
are you aware of the fact that there is an author out there, also named Maureen Johson, except instead of writing fun YA novels, she writes instructions books about nude drawings?
My two best friends, who have been best friends with each other for 14 years, just had a major fight and are no longer talking to each other. I am stuck in the middle and in need of some major CHEER. Could you help?
I will now leave a "question" so I can enter the "contest" for a "free" signed Suite Scarlett.
What is the first thing you wrote? Were you one of those kids who wrote and illustrated stories all the time? Does your mom have a copy saved somewhere?
What was your favorite part of BEDA?
Have you ever gone to a summer camp?
What is one question that you've always wanted to be asked, but never have? Then answer it.
Maureen, could you please offer some of your great advice? I am in grad school. I am supposed to be writing my thesis. However, I am much better at procrastinating than writing a thesis. Any tips to stop procrastinating (my defense is in two weeks, I've really overdone it with the procrastination). And this is not procrastination, this is reaching out for help... right?
If you'd ever write an autobiography, what would be the title? :)
I always wonder how authors pick their character's names.
How did you pick your characters' names? Did you research name meanings or did you close your eyes and randomly nab a name on a piece of paper with your finger? :D
Thanks! And please enter me!
TheBookworm
emailthebookworm(at)yahoo(dot)com
MJ, now that BEDA is over, does this mean you're going to take away my ponies?
It never ceases to amaze me how spot on you are about things like high school presentations.
What should one do when one starts to be ignored by one's English friends? (Bothering them is not seeming to work)
Who are your three favourite fictional characters? They could be your own or someone else's. Also, what in the world possessed you to ever suggest trapeze school in the first place!?
The guy I have a crush on forgot my name today. I am trying to be optimistic and saying it's because he only knows my nickname. Am I delusional?
Do you think Blog Every Day April will return in 2010?
I love your love for good old english Madness!
I am 17 and aspiring to become a writer...I work on lots of stories but I have a major issue with follwing them through past the third chater before having another idea and HAVING to write that...Do you ever have this problem or have you ever and if so PLEASE could you give me some helpful tips...it would be muchly apreciated as I think you are absolutely AWESOME! :D
Do you drink coffee?
How do you drink your coffee?
Is drinking around 5 big cups a day BAD? Because people keep telling me that it is, but I really don't think so.
By the way, i've convinced all my friends to take off their pants, too.
No Pants! No Peace!
Tengo unas preguntas (te preocupa, preguntare en ingles):
When you first started writing, did you set out with the intention to write for young adults specifically?
Also, special bonus question:
What should I name my new goldfish?
Also, I apologize for my horrendous spanish.
What do you do if you just went to see one of your favorite authors (rhymes with Neil Gaiman) and you started crying while discussing an important subject with him? Do you send him a tweet saying you're not always a blubbering idiot or pretend it never happened?
(This is the second time in a row! Last time I was upset over the recent death of a much loved author who was a dear friend of Mr. Rhymes with Neil Gaiman's. But really, I can carry on a conversation without bursting into tears. I promise.)
Yeah really ignore my spanish. I meant to say "no te preocupa."
Will you tell us another story about your childhood/teenage years in Philadelphia?
What are your views on prom? I know John Green recently wrote an article about how he thinks it should be outlawed, and was wondering about your opinion on the event. Also, my prom is in about a month and I do not yet have a dress. Am I behind or is everyone else ahead?
I've NOTICED that SOMETIMES you use LOTS of CAPS for EMPHASIS. Is there any PARTICULAR place you PICKED THIS UP FROM, or is it YOUR OWN IDEA?
~Candy
Of all the books that you have published, which is your favorite?
I wish I had the money to see you trapeze.
Well, firstly John Barrowman would wiggle his bottom,* then take his clothes off** and finish it all off with a song.*** This is what he did when I saw him 3 weeks ago.
*I think he's in love with his bum, but it is a rather nice bum, so that's fine.
**OK, so he only took his shirt off and he was wearing a vest underneath, but... yum!
***He loves to sing and is a very good singer, unlike Carole, his older sister, who is not as good at singing.
I'm attempting to work on my novel but I just cannot think of a good, weird name for a celebrity to give their child. What do you think is a good, weird celebrity child name?
Oh, and I've been wondering - what will happen to the blogspot blog when BEDA is over? I think the ning is cool, but I just don't work well with nings and will be sad if I can't read your posts over here anymore.
hehehe my captcha is "cowerna". It sounds like the cow version of "babushka" or something ^_^
BOOK GIVEAWAY?!?!
:D
I never win anything, though...
Much like John, I have never won a medal. But my parents never made me one. I bought one at a yard sale, though!
ADVICE QUESTION: What do you do if you always get yourself stuck in ridiculous situations that make your life eerily similar to a bad sitcom? How do you get out of them?!
I would really enjoy a free copy of Suite Scarlett!! Pick me!!!
What should BEDA/VEDA participants do for the final day of BEDA?
Would it be more important to comment on every BEDA blog possible, to organize a party for our fellow BEDA buddies, or to fulfill #9 on your "18 things to do whenever" blog by blogging about our close relationship with the members of ABBA?
Wow - we chose very similar titles for our last BEDA post! Very cool!
My question - Did you have any idea BEDA was going to take off like it has?
And, thanks for starting it - got me off my blogging a$$!
Did you participate in Poem in Your Pocket day (which is today)? If not, what poem would you like to have had lurking in your pocket all day?
Also, JOHN BARROWMAN WOULD BREAK INTO SONG. THAT IS THE SOLUTION TO ~EVERYTHING.
As they asked us to write about in class today, what are your plans for summer?
Maureen, why is Free Monkey in my house? He keeps trying to correct my English papers when I LIKE THEM THE WAY THEY ARE. He is making a cup of tea right now and is out of the room, so I am writing this to you in SEKRIT!!!!!
Is it weird that I can hear what's playing out of my iPod clearer when I tilt my head down towards my stomach?? Do you know of any Special Electronical Waves that come from our insides?? Because that would explain a lot.
1: if Madness used to sleep in their house, where do they sleep now?
2: how do you feel about setting your friends up with the boy of their dreams, even if you yourself don't know the boy very well and he might possibly think you are crazy?
3: why were the shakespearian era people so obsessed with cleavage?
4: what would you do if there was a mysterious lump in your mouth?
5: do you like Grey's Anatomy?
I am a RANDOM COMMENTER.
(:
What book recommendation(s) do you have for a person who has read all of John Green's books, all of yours, and the majority of Libba Bray's?
I think these word verifications are hilarious. And what do you recommend to those that have to give book reports EVALUATING the content and then giving a personal opinion though neither are linked.
just commenting in hope for a free copy of your book...
I'm gonna be sad when BEDA ends, I've gotten so used to reading your blog daily.
'Our House' is a fantabulous thing. :-)
should i drop out of college and pursue my dream of becoming a make up artist?
We all know you LOVE LOVE LOVE Abba Maureen, but what do you think of Mamma Mia, the movie?
My teacher doesn't like ABBA, and actually dissed them in class. How can I show him what a wonderful band ABBA is?
i absolutely love your conversation between "you" and "pwil" It literally made me lol. You just captured that so well! It's not like I would expect anything less from your writing though!
So I have a question for you. Where does your inspiration come from? Like where do you get the ideas for your novels? Do they just like pop into your head randomly and you start writing or do you figure out what you want and then it goes from there? Do you even understand my question?
Maureen, I am so sad that I have not known about you before beda. I promise that as soon as I get home from school I will go out and read all of your books. Your wit and charming writing style plus the briliant reviews of your books have made me long for the day that I will be back in a country in which they will be availible. At any rate, thank you for doing the project, its been quite an enjoyable month.
i just read that you are giving away a signed book at 4:30 well it is 4:30 right now...i just made the deadline woohoo! one step closer to a free signed scarlett book now i have a 1/100 ish chance of winning =)
What are your thoughts on serial commas?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_comma
UUh! I want a signed book :D
I'm gonna be sad when BEDA ends, I was having so much fun reading all this in all the free time I had this month (the holidays, cancelled class for the swine flu...)
If you could have a wonder vacation, where would that be?
You seem like a horsy kind of person to me. What is your favorite race horse name? You know, there are so many cool ones. Like, I Want Revenge, or General Quarters. If you could nick name yourself any race horse name, what would it be?
gabi
Why are famous people always so much funnier than us normals?
Also, my calendar erroneously lists tomorrow as being Friday April 31st. Is it acceptable to take this as a sign from the BEDA Gods, or am I just in denial?
What should I do with a MASSIVE stack of National Geographic Magazines?
I am in a Creative Writing class full of people who are clearly better than me. It is embarrassing to read my stuff out loud. And too late to drop the class. Although the class is in many ways fun I leave it feeling like a untalented person. What should I do?
GAHHHHHHHH! (< cry of frustration)
Having this family curse hang over my head really sucks!
Have YOU ever been cursed, bychance??
so, my name is Erin, officially, but I go by Rin at school. The other day I was talking to my friend Erica and this guy Jonas. And this happened:
Erica: Remind me to tell you something later, but you must keep it an absolute sekrit.
Rin: Of course. Sekricy is my middle name.
Jonas: *thoughtful* hmm. Eleanor Sekricy Hemmelgarn...
Rin and Erica: WHERE DID YOU GET ELEANOR? HER/MY NAME IS ERIN.
Jonas: Um.
Has something like this ever happened to you?
I just want to say, as someone who works at a Starbucks, your stories and scenarios are EERILY accurate. At times during your story in Let it Snow, it felt like I was reading about my life. Which was simultaneously hilarious and awkward. :)
What is the best vacation you've ever taken or favorite place you've ever visited? And what kind of trouble did you get into while you were there? ;)
-Katie C.
Write a poem challenge? I like poems... :D
Haikus can be fun,
Always something to say with
Too few syllables.
^.^
Hi my fellow M. Johnson!
My question for you is as follows:
How did you become so awesome? And how can I become just as awesome? I feel like a loser college freshman sometimes and I need a little Magical Maureen Pick-Me-Up.
I already asked via Twitter, but I am in love with my best friend and she has a jerk boyfriend who is exacerbating her flaws and alienating her friends and I don't know what to do. I've been ignoring her on the advice of another friend in hopes she'll realize she's been taking me for granted. (This ignoring her does not extend to our games of Facebook Scrabble.) Please help!!!
If you could only save one thing out of these three in the event of a zombie takeover, which would it be?
Hank Green
Your iPod
Your cat
I think this question deserves the next prize...but that's just me!
I am procrastinating from revising a research paper so I have decided to comment. All but one of my friends are absolutely in love with Jace(City of Bones/A/G). How do I convince them that Simon is the good one? Oops...I think I already asked that...
:o)
Looking forward to the new and more stupid :D
If you lived in the world of Fahrenheit 451 and you had a small hiding place where you can only store 5 books which books would you store?
With regards to the beard, I have to say, the Emperor Julian was such an advocate of them, he wrote an essay about how awesome they are.
And Julian was awesome.
Doesn't it therefore stand to reason that beards are awesome?
Maureen, what do you do to spice up a desperatly boring blog?
Please, please, please continue BEDA! Just change it to BEDM! I love your blogs :) I showed my creative writing class the video of The Count Censored (for PURELY writing and word importance purposes. hehe) and it trumped the solar powered car we saw that day (the solar powered car is SO COOL you can see it here: http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/solar_car_tour_hits_bump_in_qu.html if you h if you havent seen it already)
In response to what Marcie said; You could also do this again in August, that way you can keep the same initialism. jk... sorta, kinda, not really... ahh, you know what I mean.
*bounces up and down waiting for challenges*
You said the first printings of Suite Scarlett in paperback would be more valuable b/c of the outdated/earlier version of the Scarlett Fever excerpt. Do you think that would make it worth enough to pay a semester's tuition, or more like enough for one class' book? Not that I'm gonna sell my copy though, b/c I like knowing I have this version.
Also, John Green got Aston to follow him on twitter and Shawn (Uncultured Project) just got Nathon Fillion to follow him. What famous person would you want the Nerdfighter/your readers to get to follow you on twitter?
OH NOES! THAT'S RIGHT! I won't have awesome daily blogs to read anymore. I've gotten so used to checking your blogs, HayleyGHoover's, Kristina's.
:(
ALTHOUGH, I do love NEW and STUPID ideas :D
Aside from the fact that your graduate school experience was full of off the wall events and craziness, do you think grad school was worth it for you? Has it benefited your writing? And why did you go into Dramaturgy instead of Creative Writing?
Total agreement on the reviewing front. I wrote film reviews for a short while, and didn't care how the films came across, just so long as I looked good.
Note to Tobias: take a look at my profile picture. It features a fairly daft looking beard. Can you face seeing something similar in the mirror every day?
Maureen: what's the strangest thing you've ever had to write?
Hey Maureen,
I have a question for you…
If you had a choice between blogging everyday for the next ten years (including your birthday, Christmas, talk-like-a-pirate-day and times of all other celebratory events) OR blogging about twice a month from a platform SUSPENDED 100 FEET IN THE AIR… which would you choose??
Loves xxxxx
Are you going to be coming back to the UK any time soon (preferably England)? I'll be honest I feel somehwat deprived because I can't go to any book signing in America of yours and your next UK one is so far away from me :(
London?
Question for Maureen:
Do YOU know the Muffin Man?
How often does J.K. Rowling visit you? Has she stopped harassing you since the Harry Potter series is finished? I wish I had a world famous author coming to visit me. You should come visit me. My library could use some Maureen to cheer it up.
If you could pick anyone to have as a sibling, who would it be? Or, do you prefer being an only child?
What is the oddest thing you have ever seen/eaten?
What's that behind you? (Applies for challenge 1 and 2)
I have a question. It's not the best, but it's one that would HELP ME OUT GREATLY tomorrow. (Note the begging.)
MJ, I'm going on a RIDICULOUSLY LONG bus ride tomorrow, and can't figure out which books to read. Any recommendations?
OR
Any ideas for random things that I could do while in NYC?
What are some of the weirdest things that fan have ever done for you? What are some of the weirdest things you've ever been asked to sign?
Dear Maureen,
I feel like I failed BEDA. I haven't Blogged once in April. In fact I don't even have a blog. What can I do so I don't feel like a loser?
My question:
Are you one of those people who believe that everyone's a bad writer when they're a kid or a teen? If so, why?
What were your thoughts on my email?
How do you keep from sounding like a crazy person when meeting someone you look up to for the first time?
What is the most AMAZING thing anyone has ever said to you?
Ever.
Line of the blog so far:
"YOU: YEAH you are!"
Hmm...I don't think I can possibly top my 'how can I stop eating my eyelashes?' question over on the Ning from earlier, but I'll give it a bash.
My question will take the form of an interpretive dance. Think of it as a wordless eye poem.
*reads (imaginary, obvs) newspaper*
*jaw drops*
*shrinks to the ground in fear*
*rends clothes in despair*
*looks at you in hope*...or if that's too cryptic for you, you can just have:
Renesmee: worse name or WORST name?
I would so advice to inspire me to stop procrastinating for this last week of school plus finals.
ahem. What do you do if you accidentally buy an ostrich egg incubator?
If you had a pet worm, what would you name it?
If you had a pet golfball, what would you feed it?
If you could grow a mustache in ANY SHAPE what would it be?
:]
agreatYAwriterwithapropensityfortypinginCAPSforemphasissayswhat?
If you hadn't become an author, what would you have wanted to do with your life?
Will you continue to blog often? I'm sure daily blogging has become a bit of a habit for you. I don't expect daily, but how often do you expect?
How the hell am i supposed to read the word verification code below when you can't tell if it is an r n or just an m? AHH i hate word verification! I am not a machine I am a human being!
Maureen, I just want to say that BEDA was possibly the greatest thing that's ever happened to me ever! I learned so many things that will be useful in the future! Such as writing final papers! And how it's completely normal to talk to a PWIL like that! So thanks. :)
Maureen:
What do you think about this generation, let's say age 14-23, being unusually narcissistic? Or sex-obsessed, possibly because of over-exposure? The media makes us sound like a bunch of spoiled, fame-obsessed, and violent nymphomaniacs. Why the bad wrap?
Ha, it sounds like a prompt.
A simple question for you:
Why is today awesome??
Who was the first person (doesn't necessarily have to be a boyfriend) to honestly and truly break your heart? Or maybe even an event, something that happened?
What's the best way to passively-agressively suggest firing someone in a not anonymous written survey?
QUESTION: How can I escape from prison with nothing but a paperclip, a USB cable, and a copy of Suite Scarlett?
ALSO: I reviewed SS ON MY BEDA BLOG!
http://maureenjohnson.ning.com/profiles/blogs/in-which-i-promote-maureens
It wasn't a very reviewerish review (basically, a "This book is awesome, buy it NAO!" review), so I'll probably review on Amazon as well.
SURPRISE: You will be visited by the HAMSTERS tonight. They have a MISSION for you that involves TASERS, ABBA, and ALAN RICKMAN.
Bring jam.
If you could be ANYTHING, what would you be?
(I need this for a surprise I'm planning for you. This surprise, however, will not be finished by midnight, as it's actually 12:44 in the morning over here and it's a school night, so it will have to be finished tomorrow.)
I thought that it might be smarter to send a link to you through the comments, but maybe not so much any more... oh well, here it is any way.
My surprise:
http://redcabbageispurple.blogspot.com/2009/04/parting-with-beda.html
Ever since I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes I've wanted a pet fox. I loved the book itself, because I love traveling & don't get to as much as I'd like, but I also loved the idea of having a fox as a pet... I don't know why...
Which non-typically-domestic animal would you love to have as a pet?
I made you a surprise (although I already tweeted that fact to you, and where you could find it). You can find my SURPRISE (!!!) here: http://dailybooth.com/doodlebug23/274706
Two things:
1)It was uncanny that Our House finished when I got to the point in the blog when you suggested It Must Be Love
2)It Must Be Love is used for advertising a brand of nappies/diapers here in Australia. Make of that what you will. We have several ads here that should just leave good songs alone!
I'm spending this weekend at Ohio State with my two best friends, one of which does actually go there. Now, you being so awesome and ever-so full of great (and occasionally stupid, but always fun) ideas, got any SUGGESTIONS of awesome things to do on college campuses?
I've already mental noted radiator grilled-cheese. It'll work, and it will taste delicious. I don't care if I have to stay up all night making grilled-cheese after grilled-cheese.
So, I'm crushing on this really cute guy and he's in a band. I love his music, but I don't want that to be the only thing we talk about. We're friends on Facebook, but I never know what to say when he's online.
Any suggestions that won't make me sound crazy or like the creepy, creepy stalker I know I'm on the verge of being?
I wrote a surprising story for you, which can be found at my blog. http://georgianalee.blogspot.com/2009/04/story-for-maureen-johnson.html
If you had a TIME MACHINE where would you go and what would you do?
I had this one friend, for like 6 years and we were really good friends, but then once we went to different high schools (two years ago) we sort of stopped talking, because he just became someone really different (in a bad way). My question is how do I manage to just forget about him and move on, without any cliche "closure"? Also, a question of whether I should let myself be *too* happy that he didn't get the part he tried out for in the Broadway "Bye Bye Birdie production? Because to be frank, I am happy, in a selfish way, but I'm also a little worried about "karma" and whatnot. Plus, I don't want to be cruel. **** Any help with how to clean someone from your head??
Hi Maureen! I already send it via Twitter, but I dont get that really well, so in case you couldnt see it there, here it goes again, it's a surprise:
http://mokalafaire.blogspot.com/search/label/surprise
Not necessarily a fantastic question, but I have bit my nails for my whole life out of nervous habit and was wondering if you had any advice on how to stop? Nothing I try works.
Maureen, darling, aren't you already married?
MAUREEN!! You need to read this blog/poem and then feature it! It is 100% awesome, and you will not regret it.
http://maureenjohnson.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-tale-of-beda-a-poem
I am reading Suite Scarlett now, well, I was, before Hank Green distracted me with blogTV show. I expect it will be finished tonight, in a few hours or so.
Loving it thus far!
Which book is your favorite?
(Which of yours should I read next?)
I left short reviews on Amazon and B&N. :)
I'm definitely going to miss reading all of the BEDA blogs! I only wrote one myself, but I've loved reading all of them. So thanks to you Maureen for inventing such an awesome way to spend the month. <3
For Challenge number 2 I am writing a super short story based on BEDA
it is the most recent (and second) post in my blog
http://joolikemooleeahh.blogspot.com/
I am going to miss BEDA and I was thinking about doing a collaborative thing called BED09 with some other people, where we would all have one day a week to blog. No one has signed up to do it... Do you think it could work? Will we need monkeys?
No BEDA for me this month because I have been too busy with scriptfrenzy. I have 28 more pages of my screenplay to write before midnight tonight. I'm going to make you one of my characters. I think you will kidnap my main character right as she's about to solve the mystery and realize that she's in love with her annoying but cute neighbor. That's my surprise for you. Maybe my prize could be that you make me a character in one of your books. What do you think?
My question: Maureen, what if you feel like your life mirrors living in a small tiny nugget of a town-- take three left turns and you're right back where you started? I'm convinced that I'm incapable of making a right decision. Even when I do the exact opposite of what my instincts scream for me to do, it's still wrong, wrong, wrong. Help! You do realize how much answering this stumper of a question will elevate your street cred, yes?
I will miss your blogs, and i might possibly miss daily blogging too!
QUESTION:
I'm in like with three guys at the same time: one who is too old for me, one who is too cool for me and one who I just don't know well enough). I don't know who to choose, and I think that even if I DID choose one, I wouldn't be able to get him to be in like with me. What do i do?!?!?!
Hey, wanted to let you know that you now only owe 2999 monkeys. One of my friends bought me a monkey today to pay off your debt. I cleverly named my new bestest friend and stuffed animal....Monkey. :D
Anyway, my question is: Have you ever gotten halfway through writing a book and suddenly wanted to change the plot? If so, how do you deal with this predicament?
Maureen, let's say you have a friend who is very full of ANGST. What is the best way to quickly cheer her up in between classes without resorting to staging this video on campus?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k
(This counts as both a QUESTION and a SURPRISE.)
Last year I won a very awesome Suite Scarlett sleep mask from you. I waited very patiently for it to arrive in the mail. It did not arrive with the mail. It in fact arrived later then the mail on May 8th the day you, John Green, and Hank Green where all in Grand Rapids. The Envelope it came in also had no postage ot post mark on it. I'm wondering if you, John and Hank did a ninja stealth drive by? You were semi near my house that day and all the other clues add up. This is the only answer I can think of.
Why do I always type Maureen Johnsong every time I try to type your name?
SURPRISE, MAUREEN!
http://www.youtube.com/user/BEDAbuddies
DFTBA :D
Your novel is apparently a "chick flick" according to my roommate. What is your response?
What would you suggest one do with 88 Trident gum wrappers?
Also, thanks for BEDA, Maureen. It has been super cool.
I've noticed that you put an awful lot of pictures of Jimmy Stewart in your blogs. Are you a fellow fanatic?
How many pairs of pants does John Green own?
If you end up liking trapeze school and not dying, will you join the circus?
watch this?
its me trying to surprise you!
...hopefully it loaded right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFFcsbtEtH0
Hey Maureen,
THANK YOU for BEDA. You're the best.
If you were going to kill someone and write letters to newspapers, what literary work would YOU claim as your inspiration?
If you had to be trapped in an elovator with someone for 6 hours, fictional or real, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Thank you for beda. It's been amazing. I think we can all say that we've grown both as writers and as people. I'm glad you inspired this. It was fun.
Also, I just saw that someone started a BedaBuddies youtube channel! What a great idea! Look what you started!
Okay, this is massively late, but you said on Twitter that you wouldn't be checking anything for hours yet. Also, it is proof that I should never try anything vaguely artistic, ever. Even if there is no actual 'art' involved.
Nevertheless, my attempt to surprise you can be found here:
http://maureenjohnson.ning.com/profiles/blogs/surprise-well-sortof
-Sarah
When is Suite Scarlet going to be available in Australia?
Also, John Green is coming over here soon (yay!), is there any possibility you will sometime? It would please me greatly.
Do the brain monkeys still work their Monkey-Magic on you?
Where does FreeMonkey live?
Does JK still stalk you, or is that through?
I felt leaving a review would be too pedestrian. Instead, I wrote a blog linking your book with "Buy Indie" day:
http://litgathering.blogspot.com/2009/05/thing-to-do.html
http://maureenjohnson.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-thing-to-do
I think it's pretty persuasive. ;)
Maureen, when does ABBA gain consciousness? At what point does the swirling mist of awesome and sequins take form and become ABBA? Does ABBA feel pain? Can ABBA cry?
In the movie of your life who would play you? And how many sequins would there be hand sewn into your many fabulous movie outfits?
Since I do not know you, and you have requested to be addressed by those of us in that situation with a title (I hope I'm not getting this horribly wrong...), I will begin by saying, "Hey, what's up, Your Empirical Majesty?" (Although I don't really think that makes sense, considering the contradiction of an empire and a kingdom). SO, now that I've written a pretty pointless comment so far, here are the REAL questions:
What is your favorite thing to do in London? in England?
and: what is your favorite country that you have visited in Europe?
What's your favorite language (that you've heard spoken)? oh, and which languages do you speak?
and, of course, some totally random questions:
Do you like peanut butter? (I just had some fantastic Jif)
Are you going on tour soon? Where can you get signed copies of your book?
So, I'm sure you're huddling in a corner after being bombed by my irreverent questions. Sorry about that.
But no, in all serious-osity, thank you for writing your books and for doing BEDA. I absolutely love your books and BEDA has actually been inspirational. so, yeah. thanks.
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