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Saturday, April 25, 2009

LIFE AND DEATH ON TWITTER

This is a two-part blog, with a PRIZE at the end!

THE LIFE

Today, friends, I want to pause and reflect on something. This is the 24th day of Blog Every Day in April—an event that kicked off when I causally mentioned on Twitter that I thought it might be good to blog every day in April. I was just sort of talking . . . and by the end of that day, not only was I committed to blogging every day in April, but a few hundred OTHER people were committed to blogging every day in April.

It simply sprouted—this whole community. And now, three weeks in, I have gotten to know several of you. (I may be following you and YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW IT!)
And hopefully, through BEDA buddies and other means, you have gotten to know each other.

Now, as we go into the LAST SEVEN DAYS of BEDA, I want to hit the reset button. You often have to do this in life—in projects long and short, and in relationships. You take a moment when you’re well into the madness to stop and say, “Let’s go back to the beginning and remember what this is all about.”

So during this last week . . . why not make renew your effort? I’m going to redouble my efforts to read as many blogs as I can. And if you have had trouble blogging every day for the month, why not blog every day for the last week? Why not read and comment on a few extra blogs? It’s only a week . . . and you never know what might come out of it. I didn’t know I would be making so many new friends, or that I would be taking a . . .

Well, let’s get to that, shall we?

THE DEATH

Maybe a week ago, I casually made the bet that if the Suite Scarlett paperback made the New York Times bestseller list, I would take a trapeze lesson at the New York Trapeze School. I said this TO ILLUSTRATE A POINT! That by building in a negative consequence to a positive thing, you feel great if it doesn’t happen! I was TRYING TO PERFORM A PUBLIC SERVICE.

Which was bad enough. And then I went to Las Vegas for the week to speak, and clearly the spirit of the place infected me. I don’t gamble on GAMES OF CHANCE, but I am never opposed to a SPORTING CHALLENGE. Which is why I put out my one day BONUS ROUND, in which I promised to go to trapeze school if you managed to get Scarlett into the top 1,000 on Amazon. Vegas makes you crazy. It makes you spontatnous. It makes you “use” “quotation” marks in “weird” ways.*



The concept of authors staring at the Amazon rank is one that has already been deftly examined by Scott Westerfeld in Extras.** I’ve even discussed it myself here and here.*** But again, I was under the sway of Vegas, the glittering lights and the shiny numbers and everything going BING BING BING all the time. I was also operating under the assumption that not many people knew the book had snuck out a week early, and that this was a fair and pretty safe thing to put out there.

“Oh, who will even notice!” I chuckled to myself. “The book is not supposed to be out until May 1st! It is a sporting lark!”

Honestly, WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

Oh, sure, I was laughing when it was touching 1,400. “It will get close and back off,” I thought, as I rode home in the taxi from the airport. “Won’t that be funny!”

And then, it updated. And was #673. And then 500 something and 400 something and someone told me it was 300 something while I was sleeping. It hardly matters WHAT it got to, the point is it went under 1,000 which means I LOST.

I mean, certainly I won in the sense that many of you went out and bought Scarlett, and I do love her very much. But I lost in the sense that I CHALLENGED you and YOU WON and now I am going to have to go trapezeing, something I can honestly say was never in my Life Plan. I notice that one of the replies I got from my BEDA-friend Tobias was: “Now I understand why the Romans liked coliseums.” Yes, Tobias, CIRCUSES AND DEATH.

I know that the next big question is going to be: WHEN are you going to die/take this trapeze lesson? It’s important to schedule your own death correctly, so I’m looking over dates now. The most likely time at this second is late May . . . because my agent and several other people are coming to town and they all want to BE THERE to watch me DIE. Even my EDITOR wants to go. So I have to make sure I get the right moment so that everyone can watch the END OF ME.

I also know that people want to see proof. Naturally, this will be provided via video. Possibly several videos. And we’ll have plenty of time for me to build up and have a PROPER nervous breakdown, because it’s no good doing something like this without adequate time to think about your own stupidity, now IS THERE?

God only knows what I’ll do to myself next on Twitter.

But . . . let us go back to the LIFE point. We have a week left to blog every day. And I have just received the first box of Suite Scarlett paperbacks.**** So I am going to give one out to a RANDOM COMMENTER (one on blogger, and one on the Ning). Enter to win by leaving a comment, preferably with an ASK MJ question. Winners announced tomorrow!



* Like you are writing a query letter.

** Many things are examined in Extras, but Scott told me himself that one of the ideas he was riffing off of was a behavior he knew well—authors obsessively checking the Amazon rank. The point is, you should always listen when Scott Westerfeld is talking, because you just might learn something. He should have his own theme music. Like this, but with more hoverboards.

*** It must seem obnoxious to REFERENCE MYSELF. That’s not what I am attempting to do—it’s more that I am trying to avoid repeating myself. With all the blogging this month, I try to keep track of things I have already communicated to you. I want to make sure that I bring you only the FRESHEST information. Also, I am lazy, and linking to myself is easy.

**** At least, I think that’s what’s in the box. I haven’t opened it. Well, whatever it is, two people will win some of its contents.

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135 Comments:

Blogger Missy said...

I think you secretly WANT to go to trapeze school but you needed an excuse so people wouldn't think you're crazier than you already are. ;)

12:47 AM  
Blogger Candace said...

I am heartily amused. Loved getting all your cackling tweets, then logging on to amazon.com and seeing that it was at something like 673!

My question is where do you come up with such a random idea like going to trapeze school?!

12:51 AM  
Blogger SarahChristine said...

so you lookin forward to going to trapeze school :D?

12:51 AM  
Blogger jpetroroy said...

Have you ever seen the episode of Sex and the City when Carrie goes to trapeze school?

Jen jpetroroy@gmail.com

12:52 AM  
Blogger bean said...

your craziness is inspiring. truly.

12:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have fun at trapeze school!

12:54 AM  
Blogger Sarahalala said...

It made my day to read that series of updates on twitter yesterday! Can't wait for you to go trapezeing. :)

Ask mj question: what is one fun thing I should try this summer? (don't say trapezeing...lol)

12:54 AM  
Blogger Christy said...

Well, it took a lot of thought to come up with an "Ask MJ" question. This question had to be something eye-catching and will help me recieve the book you are going to give away. So, naturally I thought of the BEST question!

Question: Will you pick me as the winner and give me the book?

12:55 AM  
Blogger Angiegirl said...

MJ, John Green stated on his blog that if one were to prick you, you would not bleed but would, in fact, leak a bit of motor oil. My question to you is would John bleed and/or what would he leak?

12:57 AM  
Blogger An Ng. said...

My question is, if I do win a copy of Suite Scarlet, will you autograph it?

12:57 AM  
Blogger californiameaghan said...

when bridget (of girls next door fame) went to trapeze school she made it look easy and fun. i'm thinking if she can do it you can do it.

1:05 AM  
Anonymous Lindsay said...

MJ, my question to you is this: What is your experience with Italian boys? Beppe in 13 Little Blue Envelopes was so skeezy, yet it was DEAD ON with what happened to me. Did some Italian skeezoid try to get his freak on with you? And why do you think they lie to get us alone? They could probably say what they REALLY want to do and still get some takers.

Daisy Buzzblebee

I already emailed you this question a few days ago, but feel it was worth repeating for your book giveaway.

1:06 AM  
Blogger Arletta said...

I highly doubt that you follow me... I'm not enrolled on the BEDA roll call thing. I was too lazy to do so.

1:06 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

What is going to be the last thing you do before you Trapeeze, and therefor, die? Any final requests?

1:08 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Huzzah for Trapeze!

Question: What are your opinions about Segways and the people who ride them?

1:11 AM  
Blogger Richard said...

My question is: will you come to the Netherlands? Preferably, of course, before the end of May. It will be much more fun to see you alive.

1:13 AM  
Blogger Courtney said...

I don't have a question, but I'm randonly commenting so hopefully I'll win :)

1:14 AM  
Blogger Hollishillis said...

Oh Maureen! Please don't die! I have a question: What is the best way to prepare one's self for death by trapeze/by anything stupid?

-Holly

1:15 AM  
Anonymous Lynnie said...

i agree with missy. it is okay, maureen, to want to commit random acts of crazy. as long as you have a tight enough harness and stable safety nets. ^.^

1:16 AM  
Blogger Literary Adventures said...

I agree with Missy. You know it, MJ. Don't lie.

1:18 AM  
Blogger Driscoll said...

If you could choose to live with a famous author from the past and have their talents rub off on you or live with someone who will become a famous author and habe your talents rub off on them, what would you pick?

~Casey

1:21 AM  
Blogger Maggie Shirley said...

Maureen, I just want to let you know that I was ON YOUR SIDE. I was waiting to buy Suite Scarlett until this whole thing was over with because I didn't want you to go to trapeze school/die. The end of MJ would be a TRAVESTY.

I still have not gotten my Suite Scarlett because I haven't had a chance to, so WINNING ONE would be NICE.

Now for my question: When are you going to reveal the SEKRIT? It's been driving me crazy!

-Maggie

1:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When you become a world-renowned trapeze artist you'll THANK US for this.

1:22 AM  
Blogger Chris Hall said...

When will you learn, Maureen?


Chryx: When author Maureen Johnson does something on Twitter which she later regrets.

1:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oooh, I would love to win a copy! I was also waiting to buy mine so as not to drive you into the horrors of trapeze school.
Ask MJ: What are some good ways of curing phobias, such as, to pick some random examples, heights and/or clowns and/or trapezes?

-London

setterby at gmail dot com

1:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sweet Scarlet, please?

Ask MJ: SO I haven't commented before but I found your blog through castle twitter and have been reading it from the start (instead of say, revising for exams) and although I missed BEDA's beginnings and things...Um. There was a point to this. ASK MJ. Right. So I'm 15 and went abroad for the first time a few weeks ago (classics trip to ITALY) and I was wondering when was the first time you went abroad and what happened to you there?

1:36 AM  
Blogger Danielle said...

Maureen, can you help me study for my German exam? I know you posted some stuff from your high school German text book a while ago so I thought you would be a good candidate to help me. Actually, how did you study for exams when you were in college?

1:40 AM  
Anonymous ekindy said...

I was very amused watching your twitter as you realized that you were going to have to trapeze haha

Ask MJ:
1) Are you going to Leakycon?
2) What are your opinions on such fashion trends such as uggs and crocs?

1:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

and can I also say Trapeze school is what I would do with my LIFE were I not so pathetically unsporty and weak.

If there was a circus near where I live I would run away and join it.

Be happy to trapeze! Watch episodes of Cirque de Celebrite (just think, they have almost no training and then they perform! At least you won't have to perform. :) Except for video blogs. And also Cirque contestants are never fatally injured.

Wow, that last bit doesn't sound half as cheering as I meant it to be.

Let me use my insane(ly bad) maths skill to help: the show starts with 12 contestants, and one is lost each week which is approximately 78 performances each season. Theres been two seasons so thats 156. Add like 14 extra for the last few episodes where the contestants perform multiple times. 170. And only 1 person has left the show due to injury, and she's fine now (she sprained her leg or something) 1 in 170 is not bad. its like 0.6% chance of being injured. SO NO WORRIES :)

1:43 AM  
Blogger Nadia Murti said...

I want to win it!

Oh my God, you have to go to the New York Trapeze School! Don't worry they wouldn't put you on it unless it was safe...unless they want you to sign a release form. Then you're dead.

Good luck!

-Nadia

1:44 AM  
Anonymous OSUBrit said...

Question: As i've commented here on blogger and on the ning, does it double my chances of winning a shiny book?

1:45 AM  
Anonymous Ashlee said...

I'd definitely take a trapeze lesson with you. :)

1:50 AM  
Anonymous Nora said...

This summer, the Mother Daughter Book club that I lead is going to be reading Suite Scarlett. What should I serve for refreshments? Should costumes be required?

1:51 AM  
Anonymous Ashlee said...

Not trying to double-comment, I was just reading your bio. (Even if this isn't exactly the right post to make a comment on about this, haha.) "Despite slightly gulag-like conditions, total lack of contact with the male sex, and minor mental scarring, high school was a pretty good experience for me, as I met several of my best friends there." I know exactly how you feel, except we don't have to wear weskits like you did.

1:55 AM  
Blogger nicole. said...

this is my ask mj question: if it turns out that you are somehow naturally AMAZING at trapeze, will you leave behind the life of a writer to pursue what is obviously your calling in the circus?

2:13 AM  
Anonymous Becca said...

I can't wait to see you go to trapeze school and swing across the room! Just remember, there's a net underneath to catch you when you fall. =)

If you do happen to die at Trapeze School, and chose to become a ghost, who would you haunt?

2:14 AM  
Blogger mtyjdfgFWE said...

How did you stay motivated in high school?

BOOOK!!!

2:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Would you marry someone who was 100% PERFECT for you in EVERY SINGLE WAY except that person had hands for feet and vice versa??

Keep in mind this person is YOUR SOUL MATE. AND PERFECT. Except they have feet in the place of hands.

2:15 AM  
Blogger Caroline said...

You are at a stop sign. Do you go right, or left?

2:18 AM  
Blogger Amy said...

i love your bet...and it's even funnier that it came true! will you have fun there?

2:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

MJ: finals are crushing my soul! What should I do?!

2:21 AM  
Blogger BeansAndNachos said...

Hello Maureen, I'm a new fan and have question. Why did you get into writing? Was it a dream, or just something you liked to do?

2:22 AM  
Blogger Andrew Kornfeld said...

Hey MJ, what do you do if your best friend who is also the girl you love romantically*~*~ has a boyfriend who is an inconsiderate jerk (and frequent substance abuser, yikes) and is bringing her over to the proverbial Dark Side?! Use graph paper if necessary.

2:24 AM  
Blogger Lauren Horst said...

MAUREEEEEN!
Do you think you will continue with BEDM (blog every day may)?



p.s. don't die when you go to trapeze school.

2:25 AM  
Blogger Jessie said...

Hi! :)

My question, and disregard if it is asked a lot or you already have answered it, I just wanted to know about your degree in theatre, did you do a lot of work in playwriting or did you perform (or did you even do tech, I'm a props person with a degree in performance so I know the whole do everything in theatre bit)?

Thanks, love the blog!

2:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hmmm...ASK MJ, eh? You mean like how do I get Word from a cd onto my new tiny PC that has no cd drive, or how do you know when to obey that dread inside you that says 'I don't want to write right now, I only want to read!!' and when to kick it in the face and write anyway? Or if you could only watch one television show for the rest of your life, would it be Law & Order that has fifty million episodes of seventy-five different offshoots, or Buffy because you never get tired of awesome? Or why don't we think eyeshadow looks good *under* eyes?

I've never played this game before. I think I'm doing it wrong. But I would like to win a copy of Suite Scarlett, if it's all the same to you.

2:26 AM  
Blogger Leah said...

Question: if we lived in some godfosaken dystopian universe in which ABBA had never been formed, WHO WOULD PROVIDE FOR OUR SPARKLY DISCO NEEDS?

2:29 AM  
Blogger Meghan said...

I'm sorry about your trapezing, Maureen!

If it makes you feel any better, today was Talking Point Friday in my AP English class. It was my turn to talk. Talking points involve this: you have 20 seconds to look at a random prompt and then you must give a one minute speech on aforementioned prompt.

Now, I'm HORRIBLY PETRIFIED of public speaking. I almost threw up. I started crying. The speech ended with 20 seconds of silence. I got a 44%.

2:34 AM  
Blogger Travis said...

MJ, if you were asked, would you play Penny in the possible sequel to Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog?

2:37 AM  
Anonymous Nicole said...

MJ, I find it terribly interesting that you went to school for dramaturgy because I'd actually never heard of it until about two years ago. I love theatre and I love English/writing/reading, and since I have stage fright, I think the next best thing would be dramaturgy. So, my question is:

MJ, what advice do you have for aspiring young adult writers-slash-dramaturges?

2:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear MJ, What do you think of James Lipton, the host of Inside the Actor's Studio? If he were to start up an Inside The Author's Studio and have you as a guest, what do you think would happen?

2:43 AM  
Blogger Candy said...

I agree with Missy, but I've been @replying that to you on Twitter for awhile now ;)

hmm... an ask MJ question... I'm still really curious what would happen if there were to be zombie unicorns. I think it would really throw a wrench in the unicorn vs. zombie debate.

But here's another question, just for good measure - what kind of books do you most like to read when you have the time to read for pleasure? Or, what would you suggest people read for their personal betterment?

Can't wait to see the video of TRAPEZE LESSONS!

2:44 AM  
Anonymous Tara said...

My ask MJ question:

Do you have any witty (and entertaining) advice for aspiring screenwriters?

2:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good Luck with the breakdown, the writing and the the trapezing.
I already have a suite scarlett, though the draw of the free book is powerful.
Question!:
How do you maintain a vegetarian lifestyle when the grocery shopping is in the hands of meat eaters?

2:51 AM  
Anonymous Reese said...

Have you ever abandoned a writing project after realizing that all of your hard work had been poured into something that wasn't even very good in the first place? If so, how did you overcome that and keep going to write gloriously wonderful work?

2:52 AM  
Anonymous Joe Friedl said...

Maureen Johnson, how do I get Maureen Johnson to like me?

2:54 AM  
Blogger christina hill said...

I must say, I've loved reading your blogs every day this April! I was never really into blogging before this, so thank you, MJ! :)

Ask MJ question: Do you have any advice for first time college students getting prepared to leave their homes and venturing out into the wide, wide world on their own?

-Christina
(and have fun at trapeze school! :P)

2:54 AM  
Blogger Bridget said...

Hello. Last week I had a totally legitimate question for you, but I came up with it in the middle of the night and forgot what it was. So I am unable to ask you that question. So I will instead ask:

What is your favorite topping on pizza?

2:56 AM  
Anonymous Karen said...

If you had to design the covers of your own books, what would they look like?

3:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do you have a theme song? Just one song that encompasses everything that is Maureen?

3:02 AM  
Blogger Catherine said...

As much fun as it is too win, I'm sorry you're going to have a nervous breakdown, those aren't so fun. Now I have a very serious question for you. I have asked many people this question. It's a sort of "get to know you" question.
Are you ready? Here it is,

Do you fold or do you scrunch your toilet paper?

Now that you have the question, I expect an answer.

3:03 AM  
Blogger meaghanlittle said...

My question is what do your readers have to do to get you to wear an awesome costume when you take the leap and Trapeze?

3:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i have an ask MJ question-
were you dropped on your head as a child?

i'm only kidding, i promise.
i've wanted to read Suite Scarlett for such a long time, and i asked my mom if i could use her credit card and order it from Amazon.
she said no.

-robby
runningforamsterdam@hotmail.com

3:08 AM  
Blogger Christine said...

Question: What color will your SEQUINS be? Those that trapeze are known for their sequins!

--christinepuddin (twitter)

3:10 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maureen,

I want you to think of Dumbo. You know, the elephant, not the people who write "flyers" in "Vegas," nor the area of New York down under the manhattan bridge overpass.

As Wikipedia, bastion of knowledge that it is, states:
"The circus director makes Dumbo the top of an elephant pyramid stunt, but Dumbo causes the stunt to go wrong, injuring the other elephants and bringing down the big top. Dumbo is made a clown as a result, and becomes the main role in an act that involves him falling into a vat of pie filling."

The point of this is not to make you think that you will be a clown. No! The point of this is that in the end, Dumbo learns to fly!

I think you, too, can become a sensation in the circus if you just believe in yourself!

But you may want to start by getting yourself a magic feather.

I will close with an ASK MJ question. It comes in two parts.
1. What is your favorite Disney movie and why?
2. To which Disney character do you most relate?

Have a great day!

Matt

3:18 AM  
Blogger Katie C. said...

Honestly, you should have guessed this outcome from watching the Nerdfighters make John and Hank do terrible things they did not want to do to themselves. :) I think maybe you KNEW we would win because you are secretly a PROFESSIONAL TRAPEZE-ER and you want us all to know it.

Q:
Who the eff is Scott Westerfeld? :D

3:22 AM  
Blogger Badhandwroter said...

Q: I have a lot of ideas for stories that I'm currently working on but I can't seem to buckle down and work on just one and fully develop it. What are some ways to keep my focus on just one idea?

3:27 AM  
Anonymous Sarah said...

I have a facebook related question:
Did you like the "flair" I made just for you?

3:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is NO WAY I would ever go to trapeze school. Ever. Is that encouraging? No? Sorry...

Anyway, I'm currently writing a dissertation (your Let's Talk About Writing entry was very inspiring, by the way - and not procrastination AT ALL, obviously) and have been in LAST MINUTE PANIC mode for about five weeks now. It's getting pretty tedious, to be honest, so I have a question: how should I celebrate once I've handed it in on Tuesday?

3:29 AM  
Anonymous katie said...

haha I can't wait for videos of you trapezing.

3:31 AM  
Blogger hzenhom said...

HAHA this video is something i am looking forward to! when i was in egypt i wanted to go bunjee jumping ( is that how you spell it?)anywho. i had this incredibly irritating cousin who wanted to act macho and go too. most ridiculous peice of filming ive ever got on tape. he screamed the entire time talking about how he was goin to die. absolutely fantastic entertainment!!!

anyways i have a question for you. totally serious too..
pepsi or coke?!
id love to know HAHAHA
thanks

3:39 AM  
Anonymous Red said...

Q: I thoroughly enjoy reading your blogs, but I've gotten the impression that you're not particularly fond of the City of Brotherly Love. As someone from Philadelphia (well, a suburb of) I must ask: why is that?

3:52 AM  
Blogger Sarah said...

I don't know which one will we better...john trying to overcome his fear of heights, or you trying to overcome your fear of heights...AND trapezing. Well. We'll see!

4:00 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

My question is probably one you get all the time, but during your time playing Amy Gardner on West Wing, who was your favourite cast member? What? You're NOT Mary-Louise Parker? Well can she play you in the movie of your life maybe? I think she may be your long lost twin.

Maurice

4:02 AM  
Blogger Sheryl said...

Do you agree with John Green that "the prom" should be abolished?

4:09 AM  
Blogger Patrick Alan said...

I'm sorry for your imminent demise. Best of luck to you in the afterlife.

4:19 AM  
Blogger Patrick Alan said...

Ask MJ:

How tall is too tall to be a writer?

4:23 AM  
Anonymous ExactScience said...

Bon chance with trapeze school.
I wasn't able to buy Suite Scarlett (stupid, British book-store) so I bought Devilish instead.

My question, 3 years ago whilst staying with a friend who had recently moved to NYC I spent my week visiting E.S.B., the Met, Central Park and other touristy things. I also, got a haircut in Brooklyn, babysat, played soccer in Prospect Park and volunteered at a Housing Works book fair. That second sentence of stuff was more fun, so...

When I come back to NYC this year what would you recommend that only a resident would know of?

4:27 AM  
Anonymous wukkoams45 said...

Do you wish to face death in a new setting? Go to San Franciso and bike the Golden Gate Bridge, if the wind doesn't get you the spandex clad bikers will...

4:45 AM  
Anonymous Kristin said...

I love reading your blog. Especially after I've been following your tweets about the trapeze stuff. I'm excited to see the video(s). :)

My question for you: What is your MOST favorite thing to do? :)

4:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

MJ Question: On your blog a long time ago, I remember you saying that any book would be better with zombies. In fact, you even rewrote a section from Pride and Prejuidice that had zombies in it. Have you heard that there is actually a new book called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? I was wondering what you thought of this new zombie development.

*crosses fingers in hopes of winning book*

4:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

MJ, I have two questions today:

First, and shortest, how do you prefer people who follow your blog but do not personally know you address you? MJ, Maureen, Ms. Johnson, Queen of Sparkles?

Second, and more verbose, there is a boy in my German class. I am quite enamored with him - however, I have no experience in the ways of love. I think there is potential here, but I have no idea how to tap into it. Can you help me ?

5:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who is your favourite character? Pick a book, any book. :D

5:21 AM  
Blogger Khy said...

YAY trapeze school!

5:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maureen, I realise this might sound patronising/sanctimonius/annoying but it's also true - just think how GOOD you will feel when you have survived trapeze school! Next person to accuse you of being an easily-scared type? You can say I BEG TO DIFFER, just look at my diploma from TRAPEZE SCHOOL! - Ali xxx

5:25 AM  
Blogger Mónica L. said...

Oh... twitter, you're so destructive...

Congratulations for so many books sold! (now you know that not only sex sells, trapeze/death too)

But relax, breath in breath out, and enjoy the trapeze lesson, there's a lot of harnesses and cute instructors (I hope), so you can't reeeeeeealy die.

5:29 AM  
Anonymous Marlee Grace said...

ASK MJ Question:

What is the most disgusting food you have ever eaten?

5:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My ask MJ question:

What is the first thing you will do after your trapeze class (if you live through it)?

6:02 AM  
Blogger Cari said...

You said paperbacks are what you think are in the box. What else might you be expecting/sharing with winners? Is it possible you are expecting a box containing gold???

6:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You said there's a book idea you've been thinking about forever but either never got to writing it or never got to finish it. Do you still plan to write/finish it?

6:13 AM  
Anonymous Leslie B said...

Dear MJ:

We you born awesome or did it come during your childhood?

6:27 AM  
Anonymous Shona said...

Is it true that everyone in New York is really wierd?

6:36 AM  
Anonymous Quinn C. said...

There's something in the air in Vegas that makes people do crazy things (like make potentially life-threatening bets)...
Good luck with the trapeze!!

Question:

What is the best advice you have for traveling through Europe?

6:55 AM  
Anonymous Katie said...

Maureen,
Any ideas on how to convince my mother that I, at 18 years old, can go camping in the world's most controlled environment (Disney World) without dying or injuring myself? Your Internet/networking advice was perfect.
Have fun at Trapeze school!

7:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ooooh! Scarlett paperbacks!! I haven't bought one yet (so I did not condemn you to trapeze school...aren't I nice?) but I'm definitely getting one as soon as possible. (Hopefully through this contest... I already spend waaaaaay too much on books.)

Ask MJ Question: Aside from 'Where do you get your ideas?' and 'When are you going on the trapeze?', what is the most terrifying question someone could ask you?

7:23 AM  
Blogger Pushca said...

I think this would be an excellent excuse to buy some sort of special, trapeze-ing costume. I don't know what one would normally wear to trapeze class, but I'm sure your outfit should involve some sort of multi-colored sequinned jumpsuit.

Come to think of it, why restrict rainbow sequined jumpsuit wearing to circus-related activities? I'm sure reflective daywear has all sorts of uses - blinding pirates, repelling zombies, or, if you're the bored, sadistic type, frying ants.

I think I need to go to sleep before I either incorporate unicorns into this mess or go on a rant about people who squash bugs.

My "Ask MJ" question: Is there a movie out there more fantastically awful than "Flash Gordon?" I think those two hours might have been among the best of my life.

7:34 AM  
Anonymous Jess said...

if you are in a car traveling at light speed and you turn on your headlights, what happens?

7:34 AM  
Blogger Andrea said...

BEDA = blogger experiences death (by) Amazon ?
Not really though...about the death part...

7:54 AM  
Blogger Paul said...

Maureen what if you find out you love Trapeze School. Would you ever leave your magic writer life and become a trapeze artist ?

8:23 AM  
Blogger Madison Mock said...

What can you do to make someone be your friend again when your competition is a cokehead who keeps a sugar glider in his pocket.

8:44 AM  
Blogger Maya Ganesan said...

Oh, okay, so y'know, I WANT a copy... *smiles*

8:51 AM  
Anonymous cristina said...

question: I live in Vegas, and when you posted the pics I was totally ready to go and stalk... I mean uh FIND you. except I was trapped at school...
my friend told me I was being a creep for even thinking on going... what do you think? would have that been creepy? or should I run to your location next time i know it?

8:53 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Maureen, I have a very important question to ask of you. Who was the oddest person you have ever liked? You don't have to name names, but a description would be much appreciated.

9:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I WANT TO KNOW your feelings on A*teens and their connection to ABBA.

Much love.

9:09 AM  
Blogger Erika Powell said...

I am very excited to see you on video from trapeze school. it is amazing the things twitter can do.
now a Q:
will you do BEDA again next year??

9:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

On a scale of 1-10 how scared are you of trapeze-ing?

And what is another thing that you're equally scared of (so the nerdfighters can coerce you into doing that next)?

9:44 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

there is an episode of she's got the look where they have to do emotions on a trapeze and some french lady freaks out and does anger from the ladder but doesnt get kicked off even though she didnt do the assignment. it was awesome.

my question refers to romeo and juliet: why were all such BIG FAT IDIOTS back then?

10:01 AM  
Anonymous Zoey said...

WOW! I can't believe you're going to do it! I'm so excited/deathly afraid for you. I am supremely jealous.
My ask MJ question is:
Do you have any interesting prom stories? I am going to prom next month and I want to hear YOUR high school prom stories. :)

10:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My question is: what would Scarlett wear to trapeze school????

1:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi MJ! I was very tempted to ask you about your jump shot but that is a lame joke not worth mentioning ;)

So, my question is, when are you heading out on an international book tour? Please pass this on to Daphne! :D

3:58 PM  
Anonymous Cortney said...

I have a question for you. As a very soon to be college graduate, what do you suggest I do to get myself ready to live in the big, scary, real world?

4:35 PM  
Blogger Miss May said...

I think it's funny to see how many people have commented on this post as opposed to the other ones during the week. Obviously everyone has been BROUGHT TOGETHER by your IMPENDING DOOM. (Sorry, I think the random word capitalisation is catching :P).

Maureen, you should know by now not to underestimate us *evil smile*

My question is: Why do you have the EXACT SAME NAME as Maureen from RENT??

I noticed it today as I watched the movie and I had to pause it on Maureen and Joanne's engagement party notice-thing. I nearly fell out of my chair.

4:57 PM  
Blogger Alysa Stewart said...

Here's my question for you, MJ. An awesome author is coming to my town soon. What should I do to make her feel welcome?

6:16 PM  
Anonymous Sasha said...

Aw, it's okay, Maureen. You (probably) won't die. :) And if you do, at least you've left a legacy behind.....I don't think that came out as comforting as I wanted it to.

Anyway, my (kinda weird)question is: In the event of an apocalypse, which one of your books would you want future civilizations to find?

6:27 PM  
Blogger Plucky the Dragon said...

Would you rather come into contact with a bear or a jellyfish?

6:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ah the power of Twitter and the nerfighters, have fun trapezeing Maureen!

And a question!

If you are reading my blog then WHAT DID I DO TODAY MAUREEN?! It's not that hard if you read my BEDA post, TELL ME, I NEED TO KNOW, I NEED YOUR LOVE!!

7:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You will be awesome at trapeze school!! It can't be any worse than spending your entire high school education with nuns...


My question is- if your books were made into movies and you had full casting control, who would you choose to play the main characters of your novels and why?

8:23 PM  
Blogger jem said...

what do you do now that your book is released? are you planning another book?

8:42 PM  
Blogger jem said...

are you ever planning on writing any sequels?

8:43 PM  
Anonymous Carolina Eriksson said...

Have you ever been to sweden? And the most important question, are your books translated to Swedish? because I want to read :P

9:11 PM  
Blogger Ashley said...

What's your opinion on matching your socks?

9:17 PM  
Anonymous Ruth said...

Does it at all bother you that you get almost twice as many comments when people want to win things?

9:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maureen, will I win a free copy of the paperback version of Suite Scarlett?

10:36 PM  
Blogger Nicholas said...

I started Suite Scarlett today and I like it very very much :)

Thanks for forcing me to buy it. I mean, I had to, after you promised a trapeze lesson...

10:45 PM  
Blogger Rebecca Mcgrane said...

BEDA has so far been amazing, it's a great idea you are a genius maureen.

It's helped improve my writing skills (well i think it has), I even went out and bought a thesauraus today :D

You are a hero and literary legend!

Becky
:)

11:30 PM  
Blogger Rebecca Mcgrane said...

Oh i forgot to put my question in my last comment! woops!
If you had to bring ten things with you and one person to a desert island what and who would they be?

Becky :)

11:31 PM  
Anonymous Dimitra said...

I AM A RANDOM COMMENTER!!!
Hoping that I am not too late...
WHY DO I ALWAYS GET HERE TOO LATE?!

11:43 PM  
Blogger Ren said...

MJ, is there anything that you fear more than trapeze school?

1:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh noz. I know I'm probably late but... I shall be random commenter with random Ask MJ question anyway. So, MJ, I'm not sure if you own/ have owned a pet... but in your opinion, how does one know when one is ready for a pet? And how then does one decide the most ideal species for one's intended new pet?

1:43 AM  
Anonymous Triskaideka said...

MJ, are you also afraid of trapezoids?

1:43 AM  
Anonymous apageunwritten said...

I hope my comment isn't too late! Your blog cheered me up ridiculously, mostly because it's raining outside and my house smells like burnt food.

Anyways.

My question for you is; will you ever write about pirates?

2:44 AM  
Anonymous Nicole S. said...

Maureen,
where do you think the most dangerous place to eat an ice cream cone is? the best place?
good luck encountering death :)

4:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think it's definitely a good time to bring new life into this BEDA thing. I've noticed my friends and myself are getting weary of it as well, but most of us are still sticking to it.

Ask MJ question:
If you were to write a sci-fi story, what would it be about?

5:03 AM  
Anonymous Sarah Brewer said...

my question is,

is it to late to enter/ comment?

2:11 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

hahaha i also had to do something I didn't want to this week, I had to go in and get my first real bikini wax. A scary and painful experience, much like your trapeze-learning (although I sincerely hope the pain in your case is only in your head) Just keep thinking that soon it will all only be a distant memory of a wacky experience (and when you think about it, falling is always fun, it's landing that sucks. and in new york they do things right, so i know you won't fall :)

4:26 AM  

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