I'm so excited to participate in my first blogfest! This one's hosted by the awesome Jen at Unedited. Basically, this is how it works:

Day One -- I'll post a snippet of my novel, sans physical description. You guys get to guess what my main character looks like, based purely on voice, action and personality.

Day Two -- I'll post a picture of what I believe my character looks like and announce who was closest.

Sounds fun, huh?

So, here goes. This is a clip from the novel I've been working on all year. Meet Mari:

“Mama, Daddy, I have something to tell you. You remember Tom, right? What am I saying? Of course you do.” Maribel Madigan straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath, staring straight ahead with narrowed, determined eyes. She could do this. “Well, the thing is…we’re not getting married after all. And…I’m pregnant.”

The last words echoed dully in the empty bathroom, sending shivers through Mari’s entire body. Could mirrors lie? she wondered, staring at the stark, scared girl reflected back at her. It wasn’t her. In fact, she didn’t even recognize this girl. Not her usual confident, bubbly self. That girl was long gone.

Who was she kidding? She couldn’t do this. With a frustrated sigh, she pushed away from the sink. Thirty years old and she was terrified to tell her family she was going to be a mom. How pathetic!

With a growl, Mari tore open the bathroom door and marched into the bustling diner outside. Like it or not, today was the day.

So, what do YOU think Mari looks like?