I thought it would look cool to wear my favorite white skirt over my favorite white and lavender pants. It never occurred to me that no one else in the 4th grade dressed this way. No one in school dressed that way. But the fabrics were the same and they had similar lines, and I was sure that this fashion statement would work. I don’t think I was teased. Some kids pretended not to know me.
So many times I’d do something with no clue that it didn’t work, that it wasn’t cool, and that it wasn’t supposed to be done that way. Afterwards I would see these things in their new light, curse my foolishness, and swear not to do them again. But there were always other foolish things to do.
Like this.
On the Summer Solstice–June 21st–I’ll send a lovely PDF file (complete with lovely cover) of my novel The Labyrinth House. If you happen to be one of the few souls who’ve read that, I’ll send you one of my other novels The Blue Jar or Drowning Karma instead. All the novels take place in the same town and characters do overlap–they aren’t so much a series as a set.
All you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know.
If you might be interested in a physical copy–handmade with real art on the cover–I’ll give one away. Just say so and I’ll put your name in a hat and draw the winner on the Summer Solstice.
Marta Pelrine-Bacon 
P.S. Fair warning–this novel may not be for everyone. Ever see David Lynch’s Twin Peaks? If you hate that sort of thing, my writing isn’t for you. But if you love that sort of thing, you might like my novel. Give it a whirl.
Into the hat with me!
Marta, I would love to read another novel of yours, especially if it comes with some of your art too.
Put my name in the hat. Either way, make sure I have a copy. I can’t wait to read it.
You know I want it! 🙂
I’d love something to keep me entertained besides just East of Eden and Atlas Shrugged!
This is me, saying so. So.
I’d LOVE to have your handmade book with your art. Wow.
Loved Twin Peaks – count me in! x
Oh, yeah — I think you might be able to talk me into this… 🙂
In for the PDF, and in the hat (which I shall run after) for the actual physical artifact too.
I would love to have a PDF copy.
So … so … sew! Sow? So! 😉
Sounds like a good idea. 🙂
Well, all righty then. Everybody’s in. Thank you! Now I must go hunt down and murder typos–the little squealers.
I haven’t been to your blog previous. I’ve found that the kids(or adults) who act like they don’t know you, GREAT, they have done a wonderful weeding out process for you. Foolish things, if they aren’t hurting anyone else, are some of the very best things to do. ~Mary
I totally agree, Mary. But that wisdom was harder to see back in the 4th grade. Thanks for stopping by.
“Afterwards I would see these things in their new light, curse my foolishness, and swear not to do them again. But there were always other foolish things to do.”
I was sent here by Jess and I’m not disappointed. You’ve described my childhood perfectly. I’m not sure that your novel is my sort of book, but your blog is spot on. Keep it up. ~Miriam
I’m not sure which Jess you mean (I know two!), but I’m glad you came by. Always good to come across someone who understands this kind of childhood. Thank you!
OMG, I can’t believe I’m so behind in blog reading that I almost missed this post. Marta, don’t forget me. I’m dying to read Labyrinth House and I’d love a hard copy if I were to be so lucky, because reading things on line is weird sometimes. But if I have to I will. 🙂
I’m so excited.
Oh, I’m way behind in my blog reading too. Tis the problem with coming across interesting people here in cyberspace. May your excitement be justified.
Me. too. Please. Love to read your novel.
Aw, thanks. Really, just the interest makes me feel a little better. Until I get neurotic again. But you’re on the list, Juliette.