Shannon Messenger

How I became the most accidental YA writer ever

2012-02-01T03:28:00.000-08:00

I know I promised to tell you how I ended up with a YA book deal to announce, and I'm going to TRY to explain today. But I'll be honest: it *kinda* happened by accident.

Not sure if you remember, but a couple of months ago I posted a very honest account of the incredibly long, incredibly stressful process I went through when I was revising KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES. I couldn't seem to get that book right, and with each new revision I piled more pressure on myself, to the point that I actually felt nauseous every time I opened the draft.

I also had insomnia pretty bad back then and I found myself spending the many sleepless nights thinking about a crazy idea. Two teenage characters with a very YA story to tell--not something the middle grade writer in me ever thought I'd attempt. But one night at 4am one of them said something so funny I crawled out of bed, grabbed my laptop, and typed those words because I wanted to see them in print.

And I just kept going.

I poured out six pages in a massive brain dump and then tumbled back to bed and FINALLY fell asleep.

I reread them the next morning expecting them to be laughably horrible. But I was surprised to discover that they were actually the best six pages I'd written in a LONG time. Not because they were perfect--far from it, actually. But because they were MINE.

I'd spent so many months revising KEEPER, trying to figure out how to make OTHER PEOPLE happy with it, and all that stress and pressure had stolen the joy from writing. I needed to make it FUN again, and to do that I needed to write just for ME. And so, my secret project was born.

I worked on it in my free time, or when I needed a break from a hard scene in KEEPER. I didn't take the draft seriously. I didn't tell anyone what I was doing. I just wanted to let the characters tell their story the way they wanted to, without thinking about market trends or rules of craft, because no one besides me was EVER going to see it. It was just my pet. My baby. My sanity keeper.

But somewhere along the way I started to find my YA voice and the story started to feel like it was working and I caught myself thinking, I might be onto something here.

I tried to talk myself out of it, but the feeling wouldn't go away and eventually I sent some chapters to my trusted readers in an email titled: am I losing my mind?????? And was stunned when they all came back at me with: I LOVE THIS!!! (plus a lot of, wow--you're writing YA???--to which I was like, I know, WHAT AM I DOING????)

Which meant it was decision time. If I was really going to do this then... I needed to maybe start taking it more seriously. Like, actually revise it a bit. But I made myself a deal: I was not going to put any pressure on it. I was just going to do the best I could and see what happened.

About halfway into the draft I decided I should probably clue Laura into what I was doing, make sure she didn't think I'd completely gone off the deep end. So I sent her the first nine chapters and went more than a little stir crazy waiting to hear back. And when I finally did, she said:

I love these pages and wished I had more! This is a wonderful beginning. I'm so excited to see where this goes.

Fueled by the rush of OMG SHE LIKES IT--SHE REALLY LIKES IT I cranked through the rest of the draft faster than I ever thought possible. I revised it and sent it to readers--and they loved it. I revised based on their feedback and brought it to a conference, where I got some intense but awesome feedback and went back and revised again. After that I sent it to Laura--who loved it and gave me some notes so we could get it cleaned up for submission. A big part of me couldn't believe we were getting ready to shop a YA project. But I was actually getting excited about it too, so I dove into the revision. And somewhere in the middle of it my phone rang.

It was Laura calling to tell me we had a pre-empt offer on KEEPER.

I'll admit--while most of me was thinking AHHHHHHHHHH--AN AMAZING EDITOR WANTS TO BUY MY BOOK,YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, a *tiny* part of me was thinking... what does that mean for my YA? We couldn't sell both, could we?

Even though that had never been my plan for the project, I'd become very attached to it--and pretty darn proud of it--and it made me sad to think it might have to be shelved for a few years. So I emailed Laura, asking if it was possible to shop a YA on the heels of a middle grade deal and was relieved when she said her plan was for me to have a middle grade debut and a YA debut. And much to my surprise, that's exactly what ended up happening.

Once I recovered from the crazy whirlwind ride of selling five books in two months I sat back and realized: Holy crap--I'm going to be a middle grade AND a YA author!!!!!!! And trust me, I am well aware of how amazing that is. To get to share both of my series--and to get to work with the same fabulous editor on all of them--is the most incredible gift.

It's also a crazy, crazy amount of work--but it's worth every bit of it. (though, can one of you please remind me I said that when the deadlines really get painful?) I NEVER expected to be here--and it was a bit of a fluke that I made it. But I'm beyond grateful that I did.

And THAT'S how I accidentally became a YA author. :)

Other Secret News!!!

2012-01-31T03:26:00.000-08:00

No--it's not another book deal, I promise. :)

And speaking of which--thank you all SO MUCH for all the comments, tweets, FB sharing, and general well-wishing and congratulating yesterday. You made what started out as ... kind of a stressful day (PW was 12 hours late posting the deal and I was like AHHHH WHAT'S GOING ON--DID I MESS UP THE ANNOUNCEMENT??????) into seriously one of the most overwhelmingly awesome days ever. Even more so than when I announced KEEPER, because I know a lot of you probably never expected me to write YA (me either, honestly) so to have such a warm welcome and enthusiasm for my secret series ... well ... it means a LOT.

(and for those of you going, "Huh? Did I miss something?" Yes, yes you did. Go HERE) :)

Also, a couple of quick housekeeping things you may want to know about:

LET THE SKY FALL is on already on Goodreads. If you want, you can add it HERE

I've also added a longer description for the plot to my BOOKS PAGE

And book bloggers/reviewers can request an ARC HERE

But right--the secret news!

Another thing I did on the DL these last few months was join a group blog I'm VERY excited about, not just because it's a group of incredibly sweet and talented 2013 YA Authors, but because it is SUCH a fun idea.

(Yep--I was the "Mystery Author to be revealed"--though we have more to come!)

Not sure if you've seen me tweet about it--or if you've already discovered its awesomeness--but the basic concept of the blog is this: every Friday one of us tackles a Truth or Dare submitted by our followers. Natalie Whipple and April Tucholke have already gone--along with a hilarious guest post by Kiersten White--and we have many more crazy-awesome things to come.

And since I'm *technically* the newbie, they've decided I get to take an EXTRA TURN RIGHT AWAY. So that means next week I will be tackling a likely terrifying and humiliating TRUTH or DARE. And the best part for you guys is that there's still time for one of you to be the one to dare me!

Any Truths or Dares submitted go into a pool and can be selected by anyone any time (and there are some evil and awesome ones already in there). But I haven't picked one yet, so if you go submit one there's a good chance I might pick yours--which means YAY YOU GET TO TORTURE SHANNON!
(And if that's not enough incentive for you, I'll also be offering a special prize to whoever I select. Trust me when I say its one you WANT to win)

So yeah, if you're smart--and slightly evil--go HERE and fill out the form with as many Truths or Dares as you want (there's no limit to how many you can submit). I'll be picking by Friday so I have a few days to tackle my assignment before it goes live next week. (*MEEP*) Maybe it will be one of you!

*is afraid to see what you guys come up with*

The Announcement you probably never saw coming...

2012-01-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

So... remember that time I kept a BIG secret from you guys for five months???

Well...

I *kinda* did it again...

Messenger’s YA Novels Get Six Figures at S&S

Laura Rennert of Andrea Brown Literary Agency sold North American rights for Shannon Messenger’s debut young adult novel, Let the Sky Fall, and a sequel. The six-figure deal went to Liesa Abrams, executive editor at Simon & Schuster for the Simon Pulse imprint. Let the Sky Fall, slated for March 2013 publication, is about a 17-year-old boy who has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. Though his memory has been erased, he is haunted by dreams of a beautiful, dark-haired girl. Now, years later, he finds out the girl is real: she’s his guardian sylph, an air elemental, who harnesses the power of the wind.

(You can see the complete article HERE)

And from Publisher's Marketplace:

Children's: Young Adult

Shannon Messenger's debut young adult novel LET THE SKY FALL, about a teen who survives a deadly tornado but loses his memory, only to discover that the beautiful girl who haunts his dreams is both real and the key to the mysteries of his past, to Liesa Abrams at Simon Pulse, in a good deal, for two books, in a pre-empt, for publication beginning in spring 2013, by Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency (NA).
ljrennert@mac.com

And I know a lot of you are probably re-reading those and thinking... wait--YA?

Did it say YA???????????

Yes, yes it does--THAT IS NOT A MISTAKE!

Believe it or not, I, Shannon Messenger, am now officially a middle-grade AND a YA Author.

!!!!!!

I know--it's totally unexpected. Believe me, I was just as surprised as you. In fact, I'm probably the most accidental YA author EVER. But ... it's really happening. The book is already written and edited--and I promise I will tell you more about how that all played out in another post, when my head isn't spinning so much.

It's funny. I thought announcing the news would be less emotional this time, since I just did this a few months ago for my middle grade series. But that actually makes it MORE overwhelming.

I am so humbled and stunned that I get to share both of my series with the world--and that I get to work with my incredible editor on both of them. In fact, I get a little teary every time I really let myself think about how amazing that is--and believe me, no one is more grateful, or shocked, than me.

My sincerest thanks go to Laura Rennert for always believing in me and working tirelessly to help get me to this point. HUGE thanks also must go to Liesa Abrams--and Simon & Schuster--for trusting me enough to buy so many of my books. And of course I also have to thank all of you, for your unfailing support and enthusiasm. I'm so honored to have you all along with me for this crazy publishing ride. (Strap yourselves in--the next year is going to be CRAZY!)

And... I'm starting to sound like a lame award show acceptance speech (and I'm getting a bit choked up, typing this) so I'm going to stop here for today. But I'm SO glad the news is FINALLY out there. I've been stuck sitting on the secret since July. (yes, JULY!!!!)

So *phew*--I don't have to keep quiet anymore. Once again I made it through the endless waiting without leaking anything important. It was torture, you guys. TORTURE.

But I did it!

AND NOW NO ONE CAN CLAIM I CAN'T KEEP SECRETS EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!

*collapses*

Winners and MMGM Linktasticness (yes--it's a day early!)

2012-01-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I'm still in Arizona--having a BLAST with all the awesome authors and teachers and librarians and book sellers--but I have three winners to announce before Kiersten and I start our long drive home this afternoon.

The winner of CINDER (plus a Cinder swag mirror) is...

NATALIE AGUIRRE

The winner of THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE, by Richard Newsome is:

KRISTIN LENZ

The winner of my ARC of DEAD TO YOU by Lisa McMann is:

DANI_NGUYEN

Yay!

Tosses confetti!

If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will ship off your prize!

ALSO, I know it's still Sunday, but I have something important (and EXCITING) I have to use my blog for tomorrow--once all the ducks are in a row (not sure what time that will be yet)--so I won't be hosting MMGM this week. But there are some awesome bloggers who will be spreading the middle grade love for me and I wanted to help you find them. So here's a preview of what's coming up, and make sure you check them all out tomorrow when their posts go live. (and I know a lot of you email me your links tonight--you can still do that. Let me know what you're featuring and I will add you!)

- The Mundie Moms are now part of the MMGM fun (eee!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Joanne Fritz revels in THE CABINET OF EARTHS. Click HERE to see why.

- Andrea Mack is sweet for ON THIN ICING (part of the Cupcake Diaries). Click HERE to learn all about it.

- Gabrielle Prendergast reminds us about Rumor Godden's DOLL STORIES. Click HERE to see why she loves it.

- Sheri Larsen returns to MMGM with a discussion about what middle grade is really all about. Click HERE to join in.

- Pam Torres is gushing about BUTTERFLY CLUES. Click HERE to see what she thinks

- Akossiwa Ketoglo is giving a shout out to ABOVE WORLD. Click HERE to for her review.

- Karen Yingling has a feature on CRIME SCENE PROCRASTINATOR. Click HERE to learn more about it.

- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy--two actual middle grade bloggers (how awesome is that???) join MMGM with a feature on LEVIATHAN. Click HERE to welcome them to the group and see what they think!

- Michael Gettel Gilmarten is digging STONES FOR MY FATHER. Click HERE to see why.

- Deb Marshall is raving about SKY FALL. Click HERE to read why she thinks you'll love it too.

- Danica Dinsmore has some recommendations for tweens and advanced middle grade readers. Click HERE to see what they are.

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog. It's easier if you email me before Monday, that way your link will be included in the post from the moment it goes live. But if you decide to spontaneously join the fun, I do update the post at several points throughout the Monday. Just email me a link and I'll add you when I do!

**Note: Thanks to a boatload of spam--and my missing a bunch of important emails because of it--I'm now using a new email address. So make sure you update your records because I'm slowly phasing the other address out. New email is: SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. Hopefully now I won't miss some of your MMGMs, like I have been.**

ROAD TRIP!!!!

2012-01-27T03:25:00.000-08:00

One car...

Two authors hopped up on soda and candy....

ENDLESS possibilities for shenanigans!!!

Yes, that's right--if you need me, I'm not here.

I'm HERE:

Well... actually, most likely I'm here:

In the middle of the Arizona desert, driving to Changing Hands with specially chosen playlists of music, massive quantities of sugar, and Kiersten White clinging white-knuckled to her seatbelt and wondering why she chose to put her life in the hands of a sugar-crazed blonde.

Yes, it is going to be EPIC!

Kiersten is going because she is one of the awesome authors at Changing Hands' YAllapalooza this weekend.

*I* am going to hang with the authors and hope they don't realize I've snuck my way into the cool people club through plotting and scheming. Oh, and to see my ever-awesome friend Faith (aka the Book Babe) and soak up whatever wisdom about surviving my debut year she's willing to offer.

Plus manicures.

So yeah, it's looking to be a VERY exciting weekend. Especially since Kiersten and I are rooming together. Poor thing has NO idea what she's in for.

But I'll be back Sunday to pick contest winners, and back Monday for a VERY exciting week. So stay tuned everyone. And have a great weekend!

Bookanista Review: Dead to You, by Lisa McMann--AND AN ARC GIVEAWAY!!!!

2012-01-26T03:26:00.000-08:00

For this week's Bookanista Review, I'm featuring a book I was absolutely desperate to get my hands on--and it was just as awesome as I expected it to be. DEAD TO YOU, by the fabulous Lisa McMann.

Here's how the publisher describes the story:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the WAKE trilogy comes a page-turning novel with a mind-blowing ending...

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

Some of you may be noticing that the description sounds a bit like a book I featured a couple of weeks ago, DOUBLE, by Jenny Valentine (you can find the review HERE). And you're right--there are some similarities. Both are male POV (LOVE, btw--there isn't enough of it in YA), both about boys returning home to families they didn't know (apparently I've been on a lost boy kick...) and both have incredibly strong voices. But trust me, they are very different books. Both AWESOME. But definitely each their own.

I loved many, MANY things about DEAD TO YOU, but I think my favorite was how clean the writing was. Every word was exactly where and what it needed to be. The voice felt 100% teen boy--specifically screwed-up teen boy--and was genuine: his language, the things he did--and didn't--think about or remember. It all felt real. Like I'd really crawled inside his head and lived the story with him.

And THE ENDING. . .

I don't want to ruin anything so I'm just going to say: WHOA!

Seriously, I loved this book, and whether you're a Lisa McMann fan (which you should be!) or not, it's DEFINITELY worth giving a chance. If for no other reason than to find out what everyone is talking about, because trust me, people will talk.

Which is why I've also decided to share my ARC with one of you. To enter, make sure you follow my blog (so you'll know when I post the winner) and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Saturday, January 28th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, January 29th (fast contest this time--so make sure you enter quick!) International entries are welcome.

I do also *hope* that whoever wins will end up posting a review for the book somewhere--or blogging/tweeting/FB-ing about it--to help spread the love and get some more mileage out of the prize. I can't require that for entry. But I'm hoping the winner will feel inspired to. :)

Ready?

GO!

For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:

Christine Fonseca brings you a special Guestanista review of SPRINKLES AND SECRETS

Beth Revis interviews TEMPEST author Julie Cross – with giveaway

Jessi Kirby takes a shine to the SURRENDER and new POSSESSSION covers

Stasia Ward Kehoe adores IN HONOR

Jen Hayley gushes over THE GIRL WHO LOVED A CITY

Veronica Rossi is crazy for INCARNATE

Nikki Katz marvels at A MILLION SUNS

Gennifer Albin is on fire over CINDER

Tracy Banghart is all about THE OTHER LIFE

Jessica Love wonders at THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Hilary Wagner mourns over THE DEATH OF YORIK MORTWELL -- with giveaway

In which I really have nothing useful to say...

2012-01-25T03:25:00.000-08:00

If you opened this post hoping the title was sarcastic and that really I have a post filled with all kinds of useful things, boy are you about to be disappointed.

Really... I have stared and stared and stared at this empty post and ...

(Yes, there is officially a lolcat for EVERYTHING!)

The problem is, I have an AWESOME review and ARC giveaway for you tomorrow and an EPIC roadtrip/author weekend I'll be telling you about on Friday and some HUGE EXCITING THINGS happening next week.

But alas, all that leaves me with right now is a post that feels woefully inadequate compared to all that awesome. So... I've decided to say nothing!

(though it's rather fascinating how long I can ramble about nothing, isn't it?)

I know I'm being boring and lame and useless today--but I will be back tomorrow with a VENGEANCE and bring the awesome all the way through next week. Just... bear with me in the meantime.

And if you have any interesting tidbits or anecdotes feel free to fill my comments section with them. (hey, just because I didn't entertain you doesn't mean you can't entertain me!) :) Or maybe we should see what other boring, pointless statements there are lolcats for...

Musings from the Murky Middle

2012-01-24T03:20:00.000-08:00

Every author has their "problem area" when they're drafting. Maybe it's the beginning, struggling to figure out where exactly the story starts. Maybe its the end, trying to bring all those threads together in a satisfying conclusion.

Or if you're like me, it's the treacherous murky middle. That point where I've been working long enough that I'm getting a bit weary of drafting and want to revise--but still have a LONG way to go to get to the end. The point where all the things I've planted in the beginning need to start paying off and I realize, uh oh, I didn't plant them right. The point where I become convinced that I'm not doing enough with the story--and yet equally afraid that I'm doing too much and won't be able to fit it all in. The point where my word count simultaneously makes me think, really, that's ALL I have??? and oh no, I'm running long, I need to go back and cut!!!!

It's the point in the draft where if I were slightly less determined I might just throw in the towel and think, well... I tried.

It's the point I'm battling right now.

Fortunately I AM determined--and *kinda* contractually obligated to write this thing--so I'm slogging through. But it's HARD. Hard like I have to force myself to open my draft every morning, hard. Hard like I'm choosing things like doing my taxes and reorganizing my loft and cleaning out my refrigerator over writing, hard.

And I wanted to share that with you guys, not because I'm whining (okay, maybe I'm whining a little...) but because I think sometimes we forget that writing really is work. Sure, it's also fun and rewarding in ways that someone who doesn't know what it's like to watch a story unravel will never fully understand. But some scenes are also harder than others and some sections take longer to come together and sometimes you have to just slog through--and that's okay. That's normal. And honestly, it's what makes reaching "The End" or finishing a revision that much more rewarding.

So I'm pushing through the murky middle muck, partially because I have to (again, the whole "contractually obligated" thing takes this to a whole new level of real) but mostly because I know it's just part of the process. The home stretch--my favorite part of writing, where I'm so close to the end I almost can't type the words as fast as they come to me--is somewhere out there on the horizon. I'll get there sooner or later. One word at a time.

What about you guys--what's your biggest drafting challenge?

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--The Billionaire's Curse, by Richard Newsome (and a Giveaway!!!)

2012-01-23T03:21:00.000-08:00

For this week's MMGM I'm doing things a little bit differently. I'm so ridiculously slammed with deadlines and whatnot that I'm way behind on my reading once again--but I didn't want to let too many weeks slip by without featuring any awesome middle grade. So I turned to the extra awesome Deb Marshall, a blogger friend and fellow MMGM-er with IMPECCABLE reading taste, and asked her to introduce me to a book I've never heard of before. And boy did she pick one an incredible one: THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE, by Richard Newsome.

From IndieBoun.Org:

Gerald Wilkins never considered himself a particularly exceptional thirteen-year-old. But that was before he inherited twenty billion pounds, a Caribbean island, a yacht, and three estates from a mysterious relative he never knew.

But that's not all—because, as we discover, Gerald's great aunt was murdered. And now it's up to Gerald to find out who did it.

And I'm going to let Deb explain for herself why all of us need to read this one. Take it away Deb!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Suppose you were a kid who inherited 20 billion dollars. And you inherited a murder mystery and hints of ancient magic and Arthurian Lore to go with it? And suppose you had to go live in England, on an estate in the countryside with two new best friends? Well, I can tell you now the inner twelve year old in me would be pumped! That’s why I loved this book so much, I’m sure.

Gerald, the hero in Richard Newsome’s THE BILLIONAIRE’S CURSE isn’t what I would call excited about the news of going to England to attend the funeral of an aunt he’s never met, but as everything begins to unfold (the inheritance, the mystery, the friends, a wildly cool housekeeper) he finds himself caught up in the adventure of a lifetime. Sure, there’s some pretty serious danger in that someone wants Gerald and his friends dead, but that just adds to this rip roaring good read that I’d highly recommend you give to fans of The 39 Clues, Anthony Horowitz and Rick Riordin, to name a few. The author is a master of writing fast paced, page turning scenes that will keep you guessing and at times holding your breath. The descriptions of the estate, the British Museum and a myriad of other locations including the coolest bookstore on the planet, will leave you feeling you are right there with Gerald, Ruby and Sam, seeing what they are seeing. Definitely a favorite 2012 read for me.

In other words go to your nearest bookstore or library and when you are there why not grab book two, THE EMERARLD CASKET. Book three is on it’s way this spring and I’ve got it on good authority that it is the author's best so far!

Don’t forget to check out Richard Newsombe’s Website

Thanks to Shannon for letting me share this fantabulous book!

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No--THANK YOU DEB, for introducing me to this awesome middle grade series. I'll definitely be ordering myself a copy.

And I want one of you to have the chance to discover it too. So I'm giving away a copy of THE BILLIONAIRES CURSE to one lucky winner. To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm PST on Saturday, January 28st. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, January 29th. International entries welcome.

For more awesome middle-grade recommendations, check out the other MMGM's floating around the blogosphere today:

- The Mundie Mom's join the MMGM fun (eee!) with 3 awesome recommendations. Click HERE to see what they are. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE now!

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Deb Marshall (yes, she has her OWN MMGM as well) is raving about POPULAR CLONE. Click HERE to read why she thinks you'll love it too.

- Jennifer Rumberger discusses the ins and outs of critiquing middle grade. Click HERE to see what she has to say.

- Akossiwa Ketoglo is swept up with EMILY WINDSNAP AND THE MONSTER FROM THE DEEP. Click HERE to for her review.

- Karen Yingling has more CUPCAKE DIARIES reviews, plus a list of books about cooking Click HERE for all the sweet fun.

- Joanne Fritz is spotlighting A DIAMOND IN THE DESERT. Click HERE to see her review.

- Barbara Watson is more than just okay for OKAY FOR NOW. Click HERE to see why.

- Pam Torres is exploring THE SIXTY EIGHT ROOMS. Click HERE to see what she thinks.

- Myrna Foster is struck by DARTH PAPER STRIKES BACK. Click HERE to learn more about it.

- Gina Carey is wild for ZORA AND ME. Click HERE to see why she loves it.

-Jemi Fraser returns to the MMGM crew with a feature on THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET. Click HERE to see what it's all about.

- Natalie Aguirre is featuring WILDWOOD--with a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE for all the details.

- Danica Dinsmore discusses the orphan/missing parent problem in middle grade literature. Click HERE to see her thoughts.

- Gabrielle Prendergast reminds us why HATCHET is a classic. Click HERE to learn more about it.

Happy Monday!

DOUBLE and THE APOTHECARY winners

2012-01-22T12:19:00.000-08:00

Yikes--where has the day gone?

Sorry to be posting these a bit late. Been a busy writing weekend!

Anyway, I have two winners to announce.

The winner of DOUBLE, by Jenny Valentine is...

Tiffany Drew

And the winner of THE APOTHECARY, by Malie Meloy is...

Akoss

Yay!

*tosses confetti*

If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will ship off your prize.

Have a great weekend!

Cinder Blog Tour Stop #19: Techniques for Cinder--AND A GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-20T03:30:00.000-08:00

Yay--you found us! Welcome to the 19th stop of the official CINDER blog tour--only one more exciting day to go after this (I know, are you as sad as I am?????)

And yes--as the title claims I DO have an awesome giveaway for you guys--but first I have an exciting guest vlog from the lovely author herself--the amazing Marissa Meyer. Take it away, Marissa!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you so much, Shannon, for being a part of the Cinder Blog Tour! Today I come bearing a vlog, in which I:

- eat good food

- crawl under a car

- demonstrate that tomboyish Cinder is way cooler than I am

Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hee--it takes true dedication to crawl under a car on a cold snowy day! *shivers* (Though I think my favorite part might be the catfight)

I've already gushed about my serious love for CINDER here, but if you need more proof of its awesomeness--or are just dying to get your hands on a copy--I'm giving away a hardcover to one lucky commenter on this post. AND THAT'S NOT ALL! The winner also gets a super cool CINDER mirror. (trust me guys, its an extra awesome piece of swag).

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post by11:59 pm PST on Saturday, January 28th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday January 29th. And since I'm not taking care of the shipping this time, I have to limit this it US only.

And if you want to hit the last stop of the tour, make sure you check out www.novelnovice.com tomorrow!

Welcome new Bookanistas!!!!

2012-01-19T03:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys--didn't have time for a Bookanista Review (will be back next week with an AWESOME one, I promise)--but that doesn't mean I don't have some exciting Bookanista news to share!!!!!!

Everyone--put your hands together (hee, I love when I get to sound like an MC) for our SUPER-FAB new Bookanistas:

Gennifer Albin Jessica Love

Tracy Banghart Hilary Wagner

Yay!!!

*tosses confetti*

Welcome to the madness, ladies!

(Also, I SO did not give a proper shout out to the other three lovely ladies who joined us a few months back--SORRY Nikki, Debra, and Katy! You guys are just as awesome--if not more so. I'm just lame!)

As you can tell, we've had a few shifts around here in Bookanista land. Some of us are taking short hiatuses (I may need to do the same in a couple months--we'll see.) A few have even had to leave--and while it's SO sad to see them go, it's also exciting to have some new members. Yay for getting to know more writers!

Also, have to take a second and give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to the lovely and talented Megan Miranda (fellow Bookanista extraordinaire) whose novel FRACTURE just hit stores this week:

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine

-despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.

Trust me guys--you do NOT want to miss out on this one! Get thee to the book store!

And that's all for today. But for more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:

Gennifer Albin joins the Bookanistas with a great giveaway

Christine Fonseca is wild about WOLFSBANE

LiLa Roecker adores AUSTENTATIOUS

Stasia Ward Kehoe gives cover love to GETTING SOMEWHERE

Nikki Katz takes a shine to UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Katy Upperman is dazzled by A MILLION SUNS

Tracy Banghart is wowed by ON FORTUNE’S WHEEL

Online Marketing advice from Author and Marketing Expert Shelli Johannes-Wells

2012-01-18T03:23:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm in my debut year as an author, marketing is DEFINITELY on my mind. And while I'm lucky enough to have the support of a publisher behind me, I am also aware that much of it will also be my responsibility as the author. Luckily, I happen to have some friends who are marketing experts, and they let me pester them with emails filled with (probably lame) Shannon marketing questions.

But I realized that many of you don't that advantage. And since I'm all about paying it forward, I decided to ask one of my marketing friends to put together a guest post for me, so I could share some of what I'm learning with you guys.

So I give you, Shelli Johanness-Wells, who's here to explain how the various age groups in children's literature are different--and how that should shape various marketing strategies:

Shelli's Official Bio (i.e.: Why you should pay attention to this woman):

S.R. Johannes is the author of Untraceable, a teen wilderness thriller. She lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. She runs the Market My Words blog a go-to site for author marketing and is the founder of The Indelibles, a group for independent authors. You can follow her Author page, her blog, or Twitter.

Her new tween book, On The Bright Side releases Jan 31^stOn the Bright Side is about a humorous take on guardian angeldom and death. Gabby is a tween angel (Bright) assigned to protect her middle school nemesis, who is now dating her school crush. Instead of protecting her frenemy, Gabby pranks her, accidentally unleashing a dark side. Soon, she learns what can happen if you hate someone to death.

Take it away, Shelli!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marketing books to different markets

I have a tween book coming out and the marketing is a challenge.

Marketing is hard for any author. No one likes to do it and it’s hard and awkward. But to figure out the different markets and different ways to reach them is tough. Especially for authors who don’t have big houses behind them.

Teens (Self Influence/Peer Influence/Direct Buying Power)

Let’s first look at the buying characteristics of young adults. These are usually in high school. 15 (10^th grade) and up to 17/18 (graduating). Anything after 18 (college) is considered New Adult

Teens are driving and therefore usually have a job

They tend to make some of their own money

They are more in charge of their own purchases up to a certain $ amount (especially things like books and music)

They are online, social networking and have ereaders

They don’t look to adults for advice (this includes cool aunts, librarians they’ve known at story time since they were four, and especially not parents.)

They listen to the opinions of friends.

Very into trends and fads

When it comes to books, they like good books but also like what is popular

The best way to reach this age group is online and through word of mouth. Especially with Facebook.

Therefore, you target building word of mouth. Which is also called PR. They don’t tend to respond to advertising like adults do. And target popular sites with teens.

Middle Graders (Adult Influence/Adult Buying Power)

Let’s check out middle graders. This market is misleading because these are not middle schoolers really. They tend to span elementary school and are usually ages 8 (2^nd grade) to 11 or 12 (7^th grade).

They are a little more impressionable. Especially the younger ones 8-11

They have no purchasing power

They tend to listen to teachers, coaches, and parents more than friends. But they are just starting to be impressionable with trends and fads

They don’t read as much

They don’t tend to have ereaders

They are not online

Even picture book authors should use this route to market picture books

The best way to reach these readers are through gatekeepers. Librarians, booksellers, schools, teachers, coaches and even parents.

So target awareness of the gatekeepers.

Tweens (Self/Peer Influence/Adult Buying Power)

Ugh. This is a whole other ball game. Tweens are tough to reach in any way.

They are not fully online yet and not allowed in many social networking sites.

They like more interactive stuff.

Their social sites are usually closed to adults.

Yet they are not very impressionable with adults.

They tend to want to impress friends and go with popular opinion more than teens because this is an awkward stage.

They don’t have their own money or transportation but are responsible for hundreds of billions of dollars in consumer spending.

They are not a lot of tween books – especially in the age range of 13 and 14. Most books are aged up to 15 or aged down to 12.

They don’t want to read middle grade, but their parents don’t really want them to read a lot of YA (especially unscreened)

Why? Because bookstores don’t have separate shelves for these. Take B&N. They shelve MG in the kid’s area but YA is now in the adult area.

I think this area is up and coming. I think this age group will start to look for books that are in their age group yet appeal to their mature reading. Without all the violence and sex and issue driven books. Appealing to the interactive area will reach them more. Virtual books, choose your own adventure. Also – multi-media tends to reach this audience. Interactive sites like like AllyKatzz and Beacon Street.

This group is a challenge in itself and is an area still being tested.

A few tween resources

Ypulse.com

The Tween Marketing Machine book by Sigel

Tween magazines – American Girl, Girl’s Life.

Tween sites – Beacon Street, AllyKatzz

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*phew* I don't know about you guys--but my head is all explodey now--in a good way. Hope you found this information helpful! Thanks so much Shelli!

Why my cover made me cry--the GOOD kind of tears!

2012-01-17T03:20:00.000-08:00

Seeing your cover for the first time--especially when it's for your first book--is a very emotional experience for an author.

There's a whole lot of hands shaking, butterflies flapping around in your stomach excitement--but also a whole lot of OMG-What-if-I-hate-it?????? panic. (In case you don't know, authors don't get to design their own covers. We get a *little* input--but on the whole, the publisher is the one with all the say).

And sometimes, there's even the happy tears that come when you open the file from your editor and see something as gorgeous as THIS:

There were many reasons why I cried. Like how the characters look so uncannily like how I imagine them that I wondered if the artist somehow crawled inside my head. Or how there's my name--MY NAME--on the cover of MY BOOK. Or the fact that S&S somehow managed to give me something that is so much better (SO much better) than anything I'd ever envisioned on my own (hm... that's probably why authors aren't the ones to design their covers...)

But there was actually a much bigger reason it had such a strong affect.

Not sure how many of you follow my facebook updates, but a few months ago you might have seen when I posted this:

But what you don't know is that a few hours after I posted that my phone beeped with a text message. I'd assumed it was my husband texting me from work. But instead it was Liesa (my editor), and the message said this:

Just saw your FB post about Jason Chan.
Um... guess who I booked for your cover months ago?? :)

Yeah--after I read it a few dozen times and texted her back asking if she was serious (she assured me she was) and called my husband to tell him the news--I totally sank to the floor of my bedroom and cried like a baby.

Not only am I a huge, HUGE Jason Chan fangirl and never, EVER thought I'd be lucky enough to have him as my cover artist. But... Liesa and I hadn't ever talked covers. We weren't really to that point yet (shoot--we still hadn't even announced my book deal). So to have her pick my favorite artist--and not because I'd requested him (or begged and pleaded and offered my firstborn child in exchange)--but because he was the person she'd thought of too was just... it was so...

See ... selling you book is actually a pretty terrifying thing when you think about it, because you are taking something that's deeply personal to you to--that you've poured years of your life into--and handing it over to someone else, HOPING they treat it with the same love and care that you do.

And of course I knew I wanted to work with Liesa from the very first phone call, but still ... I didn't really realize what I'd found until the moment I got that text.

I'd found the perfect home for my series.

To have my editor's vision and S&S's vision and my vision so precisely on the same page is truly an amazing thing.

And months later, to see those visions overlap in a cover that is not only perfect for the book but perfect for ME--and 10,000 times better than I ever could have imagined--is just the most incredible gift.

So when I look at my cover I see more than just amazing composition and gorgeous colors and OMG-OMG-OMG-Jason-Chan-drew-a-scene-from-my-book-OMG!!!! I see proof that my book is in very good hands. And that is a truly remarkable--happy tears inducing--thing. :)

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--The Apothecary, by Malie Meloy (and a SIGNED book Giveaway!!!)

2012-01-16T03:22:00.000-08:00

For this week's MMGM I'm featuring another book that made a big splash in 2011 (and after reading it, I know why): THE APOTHECARY, by Malie Meloy.

Here's how the publisher describes it:

It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.

Together with Ian Schoenherr's breathtaking illustrations, this is a truly stunning package from cover to cover.

This is another one of those books where the ARC got buried in my TBR pile thanks to all my deadlines. But I heard so many incredible things about it that I finally had to dig it out and see if it lived up to the hype. And boy did it.

Not only is the writing strong and the story refreshingly different, but the book is FILLED with beautiful artwork that makes it even more special--though the story would still be amazing, even without the illustrations.

I'll confess, I'm not always a fan of Historicals--especially in middle grade where they can sometimes feel more like a thinly disguised history lesson than an entertaining plot. But THE APOTHECARY does it perfectly. We're thrown into a pivotal time in history--the McCarthy era--and we follow Janie as she struggles to adjust to life in London after her parents have had to flee the US because they've been suspected of being spies. She meets the charming and energetic Benjamin who's father seems to be just a humble apothecary--but who turns out to be so much more. Suddenly they find themselves being chased by Soviet spies and the Scotland Yard and discovering that there is a type of magic that exists in this world, where serums can force you to tell the truth and baths can make you invisible and special elixirs can turn you into birds.

I loved every single word of the story and had to force myself to put it down--and only because of deadlines. And someday I hope to have time to read it again because there are so many layers and details, I want to go back and make sure I didn't miss any. Boy, girl, kid, grown-up, there is something for everyone in this book--and I highly recommend you give it a chance.

Which is, of course, why I'm giving away a copy--and this time I have a SIGNED hardcover, because I've been lucky enough to meet the author. To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm PST on Saturday, January 21st. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, January 22nd. International entries welcome.

For more awesome middle-grade recommendations, check out the other MMGM's floating around the blogosphere today:

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Joanne Fritz is raving about THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE. Click HERE to see her review.

- Jennifer Rumberger is championing TURTLE IN PARADISE. Click HERE to see why.

- Akossiwa Ketoglo is swept away by THE BOOK OF WONDERS. Click HERE to see what she loved.

- Deb Marshall sings the praises of ELIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR. Click HERE to read why she thinks you'll love it too.

- Karen Yingling has more fabulous non-fiction middle grade recommendations for you. Click HERE to see what they are.

- Barbara Watson is highlighting YOUNG FREDLE. Click HERE to learn more about it.

- Pam Torres is in love with UNDER THE WORLD. Click HERE to read her review.

- Natalie Aguirre is interviewing the lovely Caroline Star Rose and giving away a copy of MAY B. Click HERE for all the details.

- Gina Carey is gushing about GREGOR THE OVERLANDER. Click HERE to see why she loves it.

- Michael Gettel Gilmarten is the first stop on the PROMISE THE NIGHT. Click HERE to read an interview with the author.

- Susan Olson joins the MMGM crew with her first feature--on 11,000 YEARS LOST and YOUR MOTHER WAS A NEANDERTHAL. Click HERE to welcome her to the group.

Happy Monday!

Breadcrumbs Winner

2012-01-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

Before I get to the winner, I just want to take a second and thank all of you for your sweet comments on Friday about the cover for KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES. I've replied to as many as I could--but I am SLAMMED with Book 2 deadlines, so please know that I read each and every one, and that all your enthusiasm meant so incredibly much to me. I am SO glad you love the cover as much as I do. S&S did a truly amazing job and I will never be able to thank them enough for all their hard work.

*stares at The Shiny some more*

But right--the winner!

The lucky winner of BREADCRUMBS, by Anne Ursu is...

Tiffany Drew!

Yay!

*tosses confetti*

If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address, so I can ship off your prize. For everyone else, check back tomorrow for another awesome middle grade giveaway--and this time it's a SIGNED copy! :)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Behold--THE SHINY COVER!!!!!

2012-01-13T03:20:00.000-08:00

There are a million things I could say about how exciting it is to reveal the cover of my first book. And there are a million things I could tell you about how much I love it and how perfect it is and why it made me cry when I saw it (happy tears, of course).

But... you guys are just going to skip all that and scroll straight down to the shiny (which is totally what I'd do too!)

So I will gush and tell stories another time. For now I'm just going to say... LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOW INSANELY COOL IS THAT???????????

Bookanista Review: Double, by Jenny Valentine--AND AN ARC GIVEAWAY!!!!

2012-01-12T03:23:00.000-08:00

For this week's Bookanista Review, I'm featuring DOUBLE, by Jenny Valentine--a book I'm betting a lot of you haven't heard of yet.

Here's how the publisher describes the story:

When the sixteen-year-old runaway Chap is mistaken for a missing boy named Cassiel, his life changes dramatically. Chap takes on Cassiel’s identity, gaining the family and friends he’s always dreamed of having. But becoming someone else isn’t as easy as he hoped—and Chap isn’t the only one hiding a secret. As he teeters on the brink of discovery and begins to unravel the mystery behind Cassiel’s disappearance, Chap realizes that he’s in much deeper danger than he could have imagined.

After all, you can’t just steal a life and expect to get away with it.

Award-winning author Jenny Valentine delivers an explosive mystery where dark secrets, betrayal, and loss pave the way for one teen’s chance at redemption.

I'll confess, when I found this ARC in my TBR pile I'd never heard of it. In fact, I couldn't even remember where I got it--if a publicist sent it to me or if I picked it up at one of the conventions I went to last year. But that was why I decided to bump it up the pile--I was looking for something different--something where I hadn't already heard all there was to hear about it from reviews and buzz and whatnot. And I'm SO glad I did.

This book was addicting. I read it in one day, even though I was sick and even though I really needed to be writing. I just couldn't put it down. I had to know how Chap was going to get out of the crazy situation he'd gotten himself into--and I had to know what the heck was really going on. The voice was fresh, the writing was clean and riveting, and while I can't say that the ending was a *complete* surprise--it definitely had a few twists I didn't see coming.

But I think what I love best is that DOUBLE reminded me that there are tons of amazing books out there that aren't necessarily plastered over every single blog/tumblr/twitter/facebook feed. Its so easy to get caught up in all the BIG books--and many of those books *are* amazing. But there are plenty of incredible books floating slightly lower on the radar too. And I'm going to make a bit more of an effort to find them.

Which is why I've also decided to share my ARC with one of you. To enter, make sure you follow my blog (so you'll know when I post the winner) and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Saturday, January 21st. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, January 22nd. International entries are--as always--welcome.

Ready?

GO!

For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:

Christine Fonseca introduces some fabulous reads for 2012

Stasia Ward Kehoe takes a shine to A MILLION SUNS and UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Veronica Rossi adores EVERNEATH

Debra Driza is in a frenzy over LARKSTORM with giveaway!

Katy Upperman sings the praises of BEFORE I DIE

The kind of author I want to be

2012-01-11T03:23:00.000-08:00

As I've eased into the beginning of my debut year as an author, I've spent a lot of time thinking about what kind of author I want to be--and I don't mean what kinds of books I want to write, or how many books I hope to sell. Of course those things are on my mind, but really... what feels more important is ME. How do I want to act? How do I want to be?

Being published is a strange, super-limited kind of fame where only a very specific group of people have any idea who you are (which is what I love about it). But within that small community you are still a "public figure." And while I can only be myself, I also have to take into account that everything I say and do will be weighed, measured, and used to shape people's opinion of me, whether they be 'peers' or 'fans'.

So I've thought a lot about the authors I look up to--not just for their talent but also the things they say and do. They're all different people, and they all do things their own way, but at the heart of it, what makes me admire them is their kindness. They care. About their readers. About other writers. And they do what they can to show that they care whenever possible.

That doesn't mean they give free swag or books to everyone who asks, or follow everyone back on Twitter or Facebook, or respond to every single email or blog comment, or critique everyone's pages, or become best friends with every person they meet. I'm sure they wish they could--but that just isn't possible. So they do the best they can.

Which is the goal I've set for myself this year. To do the best I can.

It's a humble goal, I realize--but in no way does it mean I'm going to give myself permission to neglect my responsibilities. It means I'm going to do whatever I can, whenever I can, as much as I can.

I KNOW I won't be perfect. And there's a chance I might even let some of you down. But I promise I'm going to try my best to not let that happen. Here's hoping I succeed.

Which makes me wonder: what traits do you admire in an author, besides just writing great books?

The Book Babe Spotlight: Author Robin Brande

2012-01-10T03:24:00.000-08:00

If you've been following my blog for a bit you're probably aware of how much I adore my awesome friend Faith, a.k.a. the Book Babe.

But what you might not know is that in addition to her being a mentor and cheerleader--and offering incredible editing services--she is also the most amazing source for book recommendations. In fact, I discovered several of my favorite authors because of Faith--and nothing makes me happier than one of her gushy emails telling me about a book I HAVE to read.

And I realized it isn't right to keep all those amazing book recommendations to myself. So Faith has been awesome enough to agree to occasionally put together spotlights on some of her favorite authors, so she can tell you herself why you need to discover these fabulous reads.

So without further ado, I give you The Book Babe:

A huge giant thanks to Shannon for letting me guest blog. I am so excited to be able to do this!

I want to tell you all about the amazingness that is Robin Brande. She is an incredible person, a wonderful friend and she is also one of the best writers I have ever met. I am talking Top 10.

I first discovered her when she was a debut novelist with her book Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature and I have been a stalwart fan ever since. Evolution was followed by Fat Cat, then DogGirl and then a series of short stories. Each novel better than the last.

One of my favorite things about Robin is her ability to take complex subjects and make them accessible to all of her readers, regardless of age. Her latest series, Parallelogram, has done that in more ways than I ever thought possible. She has somehow managed to break down Quantum Physics and make it easily understandable by anyone who reads it. The first title, Into the Parallel, follows Audie Masters, a girl who manages to catapult herself into an alternate reality. There she meets herself, albeit a different version named Halli, and the two become as inseparable as two girls from alternate universes can be. As Audie explores her new found ability, she learns much about herself and her alternate self and soon discovers that the smallest changes can literally make a world of difference.

Also, there is a super hot guy named Daniel. Which basically means that Robin has written a Quantum Physics love story!

Seriously, how amazing is that?!

Book 2, Caught in the Parallel, is just as good as the first one. I won't summarize for fear of ruining the ending of Book 1. But, I will say that Caught in the Parallel it is just as enjoyable as Into the Parallel.

This series is by far Robin’s best work, thereby earning it’s way into my heart and onto my list of All Time Favorite Series Ever.

I do realize that this series might not be for everyone. It is really only for people who like to read good books!

For all you teachers and librarians out there, all of Robin's books are appropriate for readers ages 13 and up. I highly recommend all of them!

All of Robin's books are available in print form as well as digital format. You can find more information on her website.

Happy Reading!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Faith Hochhalter, aka The Book Babe (so dubbed by James Owen and Stephenie Meyer), has been a Children’s Book Buyer for 9 years. She currently works as a Jr High Librarian and serves as the Chair of the Literature Advisory Committee for Kids Need to Read, a national Literary Non-Profit. In her spare time, she does freelance content editing in an effort to help bring new amazing authors to the book industry. You can find her online at iamthebookbabe.com or kidsneedtoread.org.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--Breadcrumbs (and a Giveaway!!!)

2012-01-09T03:24:00.000-08:00

Yay--my first official MMGM of 2012!

*confetti toss*

I wanted to start the year off right, so I thought I'd feature a book I know several of the regular MMGMers have already gushed about, the amazing BREADCRUMBS, by Anne Ursu.

Here's how the publisher describes it:

A stunning modern-day fairy tale from acclaimed author Anne Ursu

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," Breadcrumbs is a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind.

I first discovered this book months ago, when the publicist contacted me, offering an ARC. I happily accepted (we all know how much I love a good fairy tale re-telling) and couldn't wait to start reading. But then deadlines happened and my ARC got buried under other things I had to take care of first and the next thing I knew the year was almost over and I still hadn't had a chance to read. Meanwhile, BREADCRUMBS was popping up on list after list of "Best of 2011" and I finally decided that I didn't care about deadlines or TBR piles, I WAS READING THIS BOOK. So I stayed up late and got started--and I am SO glad I did.

It's hard to describe what makes this story so special. Maybe it's the beautiful simplicity of the prose, or the honest sincerity of the main character. Maybe it's that it touches on a theme I'm pretty sure all of us can relate to, that of belonging, and trying to fit into a world where we're just a little bit different. Maybe it's because it's about friendship and hurt feelings and struggling to keep going when the world starts to feel like a very cold, lonely place. Most likely it's all of those things, wrapped up in a story that feels familiar because it's one we've heard--and yet we've never heard it told quite this way before.

I've heard people talk about "books with heart"--and BREADCRUMBS is bursting with it. It's one of those rare books where I was both happy and sad when it was over--happy because it ended just the way it should, but sad because I wanted to stay in the world longer, and now the story was done. It's the kind of book I would have LOVED growing up, would've read over and over and snuck out of bed at night if my parents tried to stop me in the middle of an important scene. But even now, it's the kind of book I want to read again, if for no other reason than to try and figure out just how she did what she did. And it's definitely a book I HIGHLY recommend to all of you.

Which is, of course, why I'm giving away a copy to one lucky commenter. To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm PST on Saturday, January 14th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, January 15th. International entries welcome.

For more awesome middle-grade recommendations, check out the other MMGM's floating around the blogosphere today:

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Joanne Fritz is in love with THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Click HERE to see why.

- Barbara Watson has a special spotlight on the amazing Kate DiCamillo--with a SIGNED book giveaway! Click HERE for details.

- Pam Torres is swept up in A TINFOIL SKY. Click HERE to read her review.

- Ruth Donnelly continues to read and review potential Newbery candidates. Click HERE to see the ones she's featured.

- Akossiwa Ketoglo reminds us of the beauty of A WRINKLE IN TIME. Click HERE to see more.

- Karen Yingling has more fabulous non-fiction middle grade recommendations for you. Click HERE to see what they are.

- Jennifer Rumberger is gushing about THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY. Click HERE to see what they were.

- Gabrielle Prendergast discusses some awesome "lower middle grade". Click HERE to learn more about it.

- Brooke Favero is caught up in THE BOOK OF ELSEWHERE. Click HERE to see why she thinks you should be too.

- Deb Marshall is gushing about A SINGLE SHARD. Click HERE to read her review.

- Andrea Mack joins the MMGM gang with a glowing review of TOMORROW GIRL. Click HERE to read all about it.

- Gina Carey joins the MMGM fun with her first feature--a spotlight on WAITING FOR NORMAL. Click HERE to welcome her to the group.

Happy Monday!

In which I give you my FEVER!

2012-01-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys--couldn't resist one last FEVER pun. :)

And thank you all so much for all the 'get well soon' wishes. I'm not 100% better yet, but I am definitely on the mend, thanks to the lovely antibiotics my doctor prescribed.

But right--you're here to find out the winner!

The lucky winner of FEVER, by Lauren DeStafano (which I promise will NOT come laced with contagious fever germs) is...

Brandileigh 2003 (Blkosiner's Book Blog)!

Yay!

*tosses confetti*

If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will send off your prize.

Everyone else--thanks again for all the sweet comments and check back next week, in which I'm going to ATTEMPT to return to normal blogging. (which of course means some new contests too!)

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

In which I try not to whine (but... whine a lot anyway) and give away a VERY awesome prize

2012-01-03T03:27:00.000-08:00

In case you've somehow missed all my horribly pathetic recent facebook updates--yes, I'm sick.

*coughs*

*sniffles*

*whines*

It's just a head cold--nothing major. But it's been hanging on for more than a week, so I'm now thoroughly convinced that either:

my body has no immune system
this virus is alien or some sort of weaponized superbug and I need a "scientist" (preferably one that's equal parts genius and buffed-out-Hottie Hotterson) to swoop in with a secret "cure"
none of this is really "real" and I will awaken days from now and learn the fever made me lapse into a coma

(if you're wondering, yes, I really am THIS overdramatic)

(my poor husband...)

SO...

Since I'm behind on like EVERYTHING (especially writing book 2--*MEEP*) and probably shouldn't be trusted to Fever Blog (you should SEE some of my typos and mistakes in recent texts and emails) I've decided to take the rest of the week off blogging.

BUT, since I don't think that's necessarily the best way to kick off a new blogging year, I've decided to reward your patience (and your suffering through all the above whining) with a giveaway. AND I HAVE THE PERFECT PRIZE!!!!

My shiny ARC of FEVER, by Lauren DeStefano!!!

(Hee--Get it? Get it?)

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but they’re still in danger. Outside, they find a world even more disquieting than the one they left behind. Determined to get to Manhattan and to find Rhine’s twin brother Rowan, the two press forward, amidst threats of being captured again . . . or worse.

The road they are on is long and perilous—and in a world where young women only live to age 20 and men die at age 25, time is precious. In this sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowingWither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price—now that she has more to lose than ever.

To enter, make sure you follow my blog in some way shape or form (so you'll be able to see when I post the winner--not because I am trying to force you into being one of my minions) (I prefer my minions to be willing volunteers, thank you very much) and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Saturday, January 7th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, January 8th. International entries welcome

I do also *hope* that whoever wins will end up posting a review for the book somewhere--or blogging/tweeting/FB-ing about it--to help spread the love and get some more mileage out of the prize. I can't require that for entry. But I'm hoping the winner will feel inspired to. :)

And... that pretty much covers it (but if you have any questions ask away in the comments)

Ready?

Set?

GO!*

*Shannon will return to her regular blogging schedule starting Monday

(assuming her immune system FINALLY starts working)

(assuming she actually HAS an immune system)

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: A Shiny New Button and Links!!!

2012-01-02T03:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know this is NOT the best way to kick off a new year, but thanks to the Head-Cold-Monster who refuses to leave me alone (going to the doctor tomorrow, I promise) I don't have an MMGM this week. *sob*

BUT, I have something that might even be better. The lovely and amazing Deb Marshall (a regular MMGM contributor and the genius behind the awesome middle-grade read-a-thon) has gone to the trouble of making us an MMGM Button. HOW COOL IS THAT?????

It feels so official now. MMGM is like a THING!

So please, feel free to steal away and plaster that bad boy all over your blogs and posts (and if you'd rather I send you the file shoot me an email and let me know). You certainly don't HAVE to use it to participate in MMGM, but why wouldn't you want to???? :)

And speaking of participating, check out these awesome MMGM's floating around the blogosphere today:

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Deb Marshall brings you MMGM 2012 and a Marvelous Middle Grade Read-A-Thon! Click HERE for all the details.

- Joanne Fritz has an interview with the lovely Caroline Star Rose--and a Giveaway! Click HERE to learn more about MAY B.

- Jennifer Rumberger has a preview of her upcoming MMGM features. Click HERE to see what they are.

- Jemi Fraser joins us again with a feature on THE WHITE ASSASSIN. Click HERE to see why she loves it.

- Danika Dinsmore analyzes middle grade series that grow into YA series. Click HERE to learn more about them.

- Gabrielle Prendergast is championing Madeline L'Engle's Time Trilogy. Click HERE to see what she thinks.

And if you want to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog. It's easier if you email me before Monday, that way your link will be included in the post from the moment it goes live. But if you decide to spontaneously join the fun, I do update the post at several points throughout the Monday. Just email me a link and I'll add you when I do!

**Note: Thanks to a boatload of spam--and my missing a bunch of important emails because of it--I'm now using a new email address. So make sure you update your records because I'm slowly phasing the other address out. New email is: SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. Hopefully now I won't miss some of your MMGMs, like I have been.**

Happy Monday!

First Winners of the New Year!

2012-01-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is a few hours late. I'm till battling with the Head Cold Monster (this beast is kicking my BUTT!!!) But I have two lucky winners to announce--and both of them get to pick their prizes! (can't wait to see what they pick!)

Cassie Mae gets to pick any book she wants from these five FABULOUS middle grade reads

Angel gets to pick a pre-order from this AWESOME list of upcoming 2012 releases.

Yay!

*tosses confetti*

So if that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and the name of the book you want as your prize.

(And yes--if you noticed, I'm using a new email address now. The old email address has gotten so cluttered with spam that I've actually missed a couple winners' emails, and we wouldn't want that. So if you have the other email address marked down somewhere better update your records. I'm phasing the old one out.)

Okay, I think that's all for today. Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend! *stumbles back to bed to take more cold medicine*

My Year in Writing--2011

2011-12-30T03:22:00.000-08:00

It's sort of become my tradition that my last post of the year is a month by month summary of my writing journey over the past twelve months. (You can find 2010's post HERE and 2009's post HERE). And since this year was a BIG year, it was kind of crazy to look back and see how far I'd come. Lots of ups and downs and twists and turns and unexpected happiness. I hope you guys enjoy!

January

Saved from myself

I had high hopes going into 2011, promising myself that THIS would be the year I'd sell a book. But a number of revision woes paired with the realization that it'd been a year since I first met Laura at a conference and had nothing to show for it except a pile of discarded revisions (and, of course, an AMAZING agent--which I was very grateful for) made me start to doubt that this project was *really* going to get me anywhere. So I started considering a terrifying option (starts with "sh" and rhymes with "delve"). I even asked Laura if she thought we should put the project aside--but she convinced me to keep going. A few days later I went to ALA midwinter and ended up talking with someone at the Simon & Schuster booth. She asked me about my book and after I described it, she strongly recommended I have Laura submit the project to Liesa Abrams when it was done, saying it sounded like something she would like. That turned out to be a VERY good suggestion--but more on that later.

February

Broadening my horizons

Back in December, I'd made plans with a friend to attend the San Francisco Writer's Conference--and the time had finally come! But I was excited AND terrified because it was my first time traveling anywhere by myself (probably hard to believe with all the traveling I've done recently--but this was the beginning of that). And I'll admit, I was more than a little nervous when I got there. Fortunately, it didn't take me long to adjust and I realized, Hey--I can do this traveling-by-myself thing! I even figured out how to catch a train to meet my lovely agent for lunch (got off at the right stop on the first try--you have no idea what a miracle that is!!!!) And while Laura and I were talking, she suggested I attend the Big Sur Writers' Workshop in a few weeks to get some additional feedback on my draft. It took a few calls to convince my husband, and several emails to get squeezed in after registration had already closed, but then it was settled. I was traveling again--this time by road trip!

March

Committed

Not sure if it was the 7 hour drive I did (by myself!) to get up to Monterey for the conference, or the amazing (albeit somewhat intense) revision advice I picked up while I was there--but I came home from Big Sur feeling like I could conquer the world and DETERMINED to make my publishing dream a reality. Cue a chaotic three weeks where I pushed myself harder and wrote and revised more than I EVER thought I could. And... ended up sick as dog because of it. (I am such a bad example when it comes to taking care of myself).

April

Unexpected

Thanks to the Head-Cold-Of-Doom (which I'm fairly certain was actually walking pneumonia--go me!) April was a bit of a slow month. Especially since it also involved a bit of WAITING. (Oh publishing, why do you do it to us?) But it ended with a bang. I was still under the hazy fog of cold medicine when my phone rang out of the blue one evening with Laura's name in the caller ID. Her first words were, "I'm so sorry for the emotional roller coaster I'm about to put you through" and my heart sank thinking, she's dropping me as a client. But no--it wasn't that (thank goodness). She'd heard from Liesa Abrams about my book (yes, my book was on submission--hence the WAITING)--and Liesa had loved what she'd read. BUT, before I could get too excited, Laura told me she needed a synopsis for books 2 and 3--A.S.A.P. And...I didn't have one. *head explodes*

May

Dreams Come True

After much scrambling and panicking and pulling-of-all-nighters, I managed to assemble the synopsis we needed and Laura sent it to Liesa and promised she would let me know when she heard back. Naturally that meant I kept TRYING not to think about it, whilst stressing and worrying and thinking about it constantly. Four days later my phone showed Laura's number again and I answered it, preparing myself for the worst. BUT IT WAS AMAZING NEWS. A three book offer. I... kind of went into shock. Especially since it was a pre-empt, which meant decisions had to be made quickly. A few hours later, Liesa and I had "the call" (most amazing two hours ever!!!) and, after two days of back and forth phone calls and emails with Laura to iron out all the details, it was official. Liesa Abrams was my editor. I WAS GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!!!!!! And then Laura had to go and say, "but we won't announce until we have the contract." Major buzz kill. :D

June

Waiting

Keeping secrets is hard. Keeping huge, life changing secrets is even harder! But even though my book deal was The-World's-Most-Impossible-To-Keep secret, it was also very much a reality. I got my first round of edits (equal parts scary and exciting) and set to work on them. And at the end of the month I flew to New Orleans to meet some friends at ALA and got a tiny glimpse of what it's like to be an S&S author. Everyone at the booth knew who I was--and they even snuck me into the S&S party one of the evenings. But the best part was that the girl I'd met at ALA in January was there, and I got to personally thank her for suggesting we send my draft to Liesa. I will be forever grateful for her amazing matchmaking skills.

July

Still waiting

Another month of secret keeping. I was starting to get really good at avoiding questions or giving the kind of vague answers that don't actually tell anyone anything. (I would make an excellent politician at this point). But I kept myself busy by finishing up my revision and going to Comic Con--where I got to meet more of the awesome S&S team and became thoroughly convinced I'm with the best publisher ever. All I needed was for their legal department to get me my contract so I could share the happy news.

August

STILL waiting!!!!

Still no contract (have I mentioned that publishing is slow?) but this month I had far too much going on to really feel the waiting. I had SCBWI LA, where I got to meet my awesome editor in person (it's amazing I didn't tackle hug her right there in the lobby!) and spend three days ~~following her around like a lost puppy~~ soaking up as much Liesa time as I could and realizing just how lucky I am to have such a kind, smart, funny, FABULOUS editor to work with. And the rest of the month was swallowed up by the chaos that is WriteOnCon. I really can't explain how we pulled together such an amazing (and exhausting) conference--but we were able to help far more people than I ever thought possible. The success stories are still trickling in. (And I'm still recovering) :)

September

OMG--are we seriously still waiting????

Okay, I'll admit, at this point the waiting was getting a *tiny* bit old. Especially since I FINALLY got my contract (huge, HUGE moment, btw). But we still couldn't announce because S&S had decided that we needed to change my title and Laura wanted to use the new one in the announcement. And unfortunately, I SUCK at titles (no really, I have a blog post percolating on this subject--titles are NOT my friend). So I spent the next few weeks sending lists of suggestions--which were all rejected (because they were horrible)--and driving Laura and Liesa (and probably everyone else I talked to) crazy because I could not find a name for my impossible-to-title book. But all the frustration finally paid off when we landed on KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES, a title I absolutely love. And I promise I will tell you the story of how we got there someday--it's a good one.

October

FINALLY!!!!!!

With the title in place, Laura put the announcement into PM and PW and the news was FINALLY out there. Which led to one of the most surreal weeks of my life. Everyone's support and enthusiasm was seriously overwhelming, and I will never be able to properly explain how much it meant to me. And it was SUCH a relief to be able to talk publicly about what I had going on--especially since my copy edits arrived and DUDE. I am not a fan of those things. Thank goodness I could finally whine about them to all of you (somehow I suspect you guys were less excited about that).

November

Reality

Now that I was done with the waiting I expected life to go back to normal. But what I didn't realize is that my life has a slightly new definition for "normal" now, one that includes lots of switching gears, and balancing different things. So November became all about learning how to juggle. I wish I could say that I've perfected the system for it, but it's still very much a work in progress. In the meantime I'm getting really good at setting priorities and making To Do lists and tackling things one at a time.

December

Bring it on!

Still lots of chaotic things going on, but I've switched my primary focus to the item with the highest priority: writing book 2. Not gonna lie--it's SCARY writing a sequel, and I have spent more time than I'd like to admit worrying that I won't be able to pull it off. BUT, I finally realized that every step of my journey so far has been nothing more than me doing the best I can, working hard, leaning on people who are smarter than me, and trusting that I can do it. So... I'm just going to keep doing that. Word by word, page by page, revision by revision, I'll get there. I just have to believe.

*Whew*

Yep--it's official. 2011 was a CRAZY year. And I have a feeling 2012 is going to be even more exciting/chaotic/eventful. I really have no idea what I'm in for--but I have no doubt it's going to be a wild ride. I really hope you'll come along with me!

See you in the new year!

Bookanista Review: 12 books I can't wait for in 2012! (and a pre-order giveaway!)

2011-12-29T03:28:00.000-08:00

Since it's the end of the year--and my Bookanista Reviews are generally for upcoming titles--I thought I'd use my last post of 2011 to spotlight 12 books coming in 2012 that I am so insanely excited about. Some of them I've been lucky enough to already read, some I can't wait to get my hands on, but all of them I will be counting down the days until I can buy my shiny copy.

And I want to emphasize that this is in NO WAY an exhaustive list--at ALL. (seriously, if I featured all the books I'm excited about this post would be a mile long). And I specifically limited myself to books where the official description and cover art were already available, so I could give them a proper feature. So this is just a *tiny* glimpse of the amazingness 2012 has in store for us. But check out this awesome:

Middle Grade:

MAY B, by Caroline Starr Rose
Coming 1/10/2012
I've known it since last night:
It's been too long to expect them to return.
Something's happened.

May is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by 15 long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May's memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she's determined to find her way home again. Caroline Starr Rose's fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.

THE HUMMING ROOM, by Ellen Potter

Coming 2/28/2012
Hiding is Roo Fanshaw's special skill. Living in a frighteningly unstable family, she often needs to disappear at a moment's notice. When her parents are murdered, it's her special hiding place under the trailer that saves her life.

As it turns out, Roo, much to her surprise, has a wealthy if eccentric uncle, who has agreed to take her into his home on Cough Rock Island. Once a tuberculosis sanitarium for children of the rich, the strange house is teeming with ghost stories and secrets. Roo doesn't believe in ghosts or fairy stories, but what are those eerie noises she keeps hearing? And who is that strange wild boy who lives on the river? People are lying to her, and Roo becomes determined to find the truth.

Despite the best efforts of her uncle's assistants, Roo discovers the house's hidden room—a garden with a tragic secret.

BEYONDERS: Seeds of Rebellion, by Brandon Mull
Coming 3/13/2012
Picking up after the incredible cliffhanger ending of A World Without Heroes, the next BEYONDERS book opens with Jason back in our world. Yet after all his efforts to return home, he finds himself itching to cross over to Lyrian. Jason knows that the shocking truth he learned from Maldor in Book One is precious information that his friends in Lyrian, including Rachel, all need in order to have any hope of surviving and defeating the evil emperor.

After Jason succeeds in finding a way back to Lyrian, he's immediately in more danger than ever. Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have made their own progress--as well as discovered new enemies.

As the group ultimately rejoins, they strive to convince their most needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph. At the center of it all, Jason and Rachel come to realize what roles they have to play--and the answers are as surprising as they are entirely riveting.

TWICE UPON A TIME, by James Riley

Coming 4/24/2012

Jack and May are back for another adventure in the world of fairy tales with a twist. This time, they're on the hunt to learn May's true identity after the surprising reveal in Half Upon A Time about May's grandmother's real intentions.

Searching for answers brings Jack and May to the world of the Sea King, landing them right in the center of a battle between mermaids and the Pirate Bluebeard.

The laughter and action are as nonstop as ever in this next book from new author James Riley!

A HERO FOR WONDLA, by Tony DiTerlizzi
Coming 5/8/2012
Finally, Eva Nine has gotten what she has always wanted: other humans. When she and her friends are rescued by Hailey, another human, Eva couldn't be happier. Now she has everything she has ever dreamed of. Hailey brings Eva and her friends to the human colony New Attica, where humans of all shapes and sizes live in apparent peace and harmony.

But all is not idyllic in New Attica, and soon Eva Nine and her friends realize that something very bad is going on--and if they don't stop it, it could mean the end of everything and everyone on Orbona.

THE COUNCIL OF MIRRORS (Sister's Grimm book 9), by Michael Buckley

Coming May 8, 2012

In the final volume in the Sisters Grimm series, Sabrina, Daphne, and the rest of the Grimms and their friends must face off against the Master to decide the fate of Ferryport Landing—and the world. When Mirror fails to escape the barrier using Granny Relda’s body, he turns to his plan B: killing all the Grimms so that the magical barrier collapses. In the meantime, Sabrina has gathered the other magic mirrors as advisors on how to deal with their mortal enemy. They tell her to join forces with the Scarlet Hand against Mirror, in exchange for offering all the citizens of Ferryport Landing their freedom. This final chapter is the end of the road for several beloved characters, but the conclusion is sure to satisfy devoted fans of the series.

Young Adult

DEAD TO YOU, by Lisa McMann

Coming February 7, 2012

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable..

WANDERLOVE, by Kirsten Hubbard

Coming 3/13/2012

It all begins with a stupid question:

Are you a Global Vagabond?

No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.

But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.

Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry into this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.

BLACK HEART, by Holly Black

Coming 4/3/2012
Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

ALL THESE LIVES, by Sarah Wylie

Coming 6/5/2012
Sixteen-year-old Dani is convinced she has nine lives. As a child she twice walked away from situations where she should have died. But Dani’s twin, Jena, isn’t so lucky. She has cancer and might not even be able to keep her one life. Dani’s father is in denial. Her mother is trying to hold it together and prove everything’s normal. And Jena is wasting away. To cope, Dani sets out to rid herself of all her extra lives. Maybe they’ll be released into the universe and someone who wants to live more than she does will get one. Someone like Jena. But just when Dani finds herself at the breaking point, she’s faced with a startling realization. Maybe she doesn’t have nine lives after all. Maybe she really only ever had one.

SURRENDER, by Elana Johnson
Coming 6/5/2012

Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control…

Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.

All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque....

TIMEPIECE, by Myra McEntire

Coming 6/12/2012

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devestating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts

*Phew*--I think I just imploded with anticipation. 2012 is definitely going to be an amazing year in the book world. I can't wait!

And since I bet you guys are just as excited as I am (and are feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole: how will I be able to afford so many awesome books????) I've decided to help one of you out. I'm giving away a pre-order to one of these books, and the winner will get to pick which one they want!

To enter, make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm PST on Saturday, December 31st (it's a quick contest this time because I feel like the winner should be drawn before we're officially in 2012). I'll post the winner on Sunday, Jan. 1st, 2012. And sorry international followers, but for these pre-order contests I have to limit them to US only. But I promise I'll have more contests for you next year!

For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:

Megan Miranda marvels at UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Corrine Jackson gushes over THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST

Stasia Ward Kehoe gets psyched for 2012

A New Look for the New Year!!!

2011-12-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know it's not *technically* 2012 yet--but what can I say? I'm impatient--and I HAD to launch my shiny new blog design the second it was ready.

ISN'T IT PRETTY?????????????????????

I've been blogging for two and a half years and this is my first time having an actual, custom template/header. It's so cool to have one that's just so... me. Every tiny detail is 100% Shannon now. A perfect way to start what will probably be one of the most exciting years of my life--the year my book finally hits shelves!!!!

MORE EXCLAMATION MARKS!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Hee--can you guys tell I'm writing this with a fever? Stupid head cold won't go away!)

Anyway, huge, HUGE thanks go to my friend Erin Bowman, who seriously deserves a prize for her long suffering and patience (and ability to wade through lengthy emails filled with lots of, "maybe we should try this, or THIS or THIS!!!!!!!") and coming up with this PERFECT design. I pretty much owe her a lifetime supply of cupcakes. Or maybe my first born child. (Erin, if it were me--I'd go with the cupcakes) ;)

And btw, if you guys don't know Erin already I STRONGLY recommend you get thee to her blog straight away. Not only is she one of the sweetest people ever, but she's an incredibly talented writer with a crazy-awesome YA trilogy launching in 2013. Trust me--you want to know her. And you want to read TAKEN.

Okay, I *think* that's enough all caps and exclamation mark abuse for one day (well... maybe FEW more) (!!!!!!!!!!!).

There. That should do it. See you guys tomorrow for a contest and Friday for a special end-of-the-year post. Hope you're all having a good week!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: My Favorites of 2011--and a giveaway!

2011-12-26T03:29:00.000-08:00

Still trying to meet my probably-impossible-but-I'm-going-for-it-anyway Book 2 writing goal, but I couldn't let 2011 end without one more MMGM. And I couldn't think of a better way to wrap up an amazing year in MMGM than to give a shout-out to my five favorite middle grade reads of the year.

But I'll admit--it was HARD picking favorites. I hate doing that in general. Plus, I read SO MANY amazing books this year, how could I limit myself to only 5? So I've narrowed the pool by only picking books that were actually released in 2011--which STILL left me an insane amount to chose from. But, made it a little easier.

Okay--without further ado, here are my five favorite reads of 2011 (in random order!):

BEYONDERS: A World Without Heroes, by Brandon Mull

I love everything Brandon writes, but I especially love this series because the world is so refreshingly new and exciting. (I mean, what other book has a character enter the new world by getting swallowed by a hippo?) Filled with amazingly detailed locations, fascinating new creatures (the Amar Kabal might be my favorite new fantasy species ever) and lovable characters, it's everything I want out of this kind of book and definitely left me desperate for more. (Oh, and I've read the sequel, and DUDE! But more on that later!)

PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES, by Jonathan Auxier

This is a book I discovered by happy accident. I met the author when I was at ALA and he was so nice (and HILARIOUS!) that I HAD to get my hands on a copy of his book. And I loved it. I mean, how could I not love a book about a blind thief? Not to mention it has awesome illustrations throughout. And it's FUNNY. Definitely the kind of book everyone will love--boy, girl, kid, grown-up. Even if you *think* you don't like middle grade, I have a feeling you'll love Peter Nimble.

THE UNWANTEDS, by Lisa McMann

I'll admit, I picked up this book wondering if I was going to like it. I LOVE Lisa McMann, but she's a YA writer, and YA voice and MG voice are two very different things. But as it turns out, Lisa rocks at both. Not only does this book have pretty much the coolest concept ever: a dystopian middle grade (think Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games)--but the world she created is the kind of place that made me want to jump through a painted doorway and spend all day with my talking blackboard and magical art supplies. Not to mention it takes kids that felt "unwanted" and empowers them. Definitely a theme I can get behind. (*waits impatiently for book 2*)

THE CHEERLEADERS OF DOOM (N.E.R.D.S. series 3), by Michael Buckley

The title pretty much says it all, but I'll gush anyway. I love everything Michael writes (if you haven't tried his Sisters Grimm series yet you NEED to!!!), but what I love about this series is that not only does it take nerds and turn them into super spies, but it takes their "weaknesses" and turns them into superpowers. Allergies? Hyperactivity? A bad habit for eating glue? All assets in N.E.R.D.S. land. And if you can't tell by the cover (and title) and awesome illustrations throughout, these books are flipping hilarious. You'll want to start with book 1 if you haven't read this series yet. But if you're up to speed you MUST read book 3.

SPRINKLES AND SECRETS, by Lisa Schroeder

Besides the PERFECT cover and awesome title (makes me want cupcakes and ice cream EVERY time), Lisa's another one of those authors where I love absolutely everything she writes. She's amazing--and you should definitely check out her YA books (like THE DAY BEFORE) if you haven't already. But if you like contemporary middle grade with lovable characters and a ton of heart (and LOTS of sweet treats), this companion novel to IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES (also fabulous) is the book for you. And even if you *think* you don't like that kind of thing, I HIGHLY recommend you give it a chance. This is the kind of book that's hard to pass up. Kind of like dessert. :)

I could seriously keep going--there were SO MANY amazing books this year. And I'm sure I've overlooked some (many because they're probably still buried in my TBR pile, which I'm woefully behind on thanks to all my previous deadlines and now my aforementioned probably-impossible-but-I'm-going-for-it-anyway Book 2 writing goal.) But hey, that just means I have plenty of books to feature on MMGM in the new year. Can't wait!

And it WOULDN'T be MMGM if I didn't have a giveaway, so of COURSE I have one for you. And since I'm featuring five books this time I'm going to do things a little differently and say: Winner's choice! I'll pick one random winner from the comments on this post and let them pick which of the five books they want as their prize. To enter: make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment by 11:59 pm PST on Saturday, December 31st. I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 1st 2012. The best way to kick off a new year (the year my OWN middle grade book comes out---AHHHHHH!) (ahem) Oh, and international entries are welcome--as always!

Ready? Go!

And while most people are taking the week off for the holidays, there are still a couple other MMGMs floating around out there:

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Susan Uhlig has two awesome features today: HEART OF A SHEPHERD and GROUNDED. Click HERE to learn more about them.

And if you want to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog. It's easier if you email me before Monday, that way your link will be included in the post from the moment it goes live. But if you decide to spontaneously join the fun, I do update the post at several points throughout the Monday. Just email me a link and I'll add you when I do!

Happy Monday!

Under the Never Sky Winner

2011-12-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

Still waging war with Book 2 (ugh, why are sequels so HARD!), but I realized I have a quick winner to announce.

The winner of UNDER THE NEVER SKY, by the amazing Veronica Rossi is...

Vivien

Yay!

*tosses confetti*

If that's you, please email me at packratx (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will make sure and get you your prize. For everyone else--see you next week!

*dives back into drafting Hell*

In which I become determined to be productive

2011-12-19T03:34:00.000-08:00

So... I had this crazy, I-knew-it-was-impossible-but-I-made-it-anyway writing goal for how much progress I wanted to make on Keeper book 2 before the end of the year.

And... well... lets just say I'm NOWHERE NEAR it. In fact, I'm so far away from it I'm already conceding defeat.

That--however--does NOT mean I'm giving up!

I have a new goal. A slightly-more-realistic-but-still-relatively-impossible goal that I AM DETERMINED TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO MEET.

So, since this week is generally a super quiet week in the blogosphere--and I could REALLY use the extra writing time--I've decided to take the week off of blogging. (I know, I'm sure you're all DEVASTATED by this news.) But I will be back next week for some end-of-the-year posts and contests and whatnot that I hope you'll stop by for.

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a lovely, lovely week filled with all kinds of wonderful, happy things. Me? I have a date with my W.I.P. And I intend to kick some serious MS boot-ay. ;)

Oh, and despite the slow blogging week (and my total failure to support my own meme--#Shannonfail), there are a few MMGM's going on:

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Pam Torres takes is RACING THE MOON. Click HERE to read her review.

- Deb Marshall is spreading the love for SCARY SCHOOL--with an author interview AND a giveaway! Click HERE for all the details.

- Gabrielle Prendergast is championing THE IRON MAN. Click HERE to see why she loves it.

See you next Monday!

A Million Suns Winner!

2011-12-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I'm still in Vegas (driving home today, actually--which means as you read this I'm *probably* sitting in traffic. Try not to be jealous...)

Anyway, I have a winner to announce, for the pre-order copy of A MILLION SUNS, by the uber fabulous Beth Revis.

The winner is...

Tashina Falene

YAY!

*tosses confetti*

Okay, if that's you, please email me at packratx (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will arrange your prize. For everyone else, keep checking back. I always have new contests starting.

Hope everyone is having good weekend!

It's that time again!

2011-12-16T03:31:00.000-08:00

Those of you who've been following me for a while know that every year, right around this time, the Hubs and I head here:

It's a weird tradition that has mostly to do with SUPER cheap hotel rooms and awesome shopping--not to mention Vegas is empty and I hate crowds. But it's also just our fun getaway to soak up some kitschy scenery, eat at some amazing restaurants, and hey--maybe try to relax a bit (I know, we might be the only people who go to Vegas to RELAX instead of party!)

Anyway, if you need me, I will be here:

Eating steak frites along the fake Champs de Elysee.

And here:

Hailing fake Caesar with my credit card, shopping all the sales.

And no, I most definitely will NOT be here:

Nor will I be here--no matter how much the Hubs tries to convince me:

(If you watch Pawn Stars, you know what this is. And no--I'm not a fan of the rather boring show. But the Hubs is--and tough, we are not going to a Pawn Shop!)

(ahem)

Anyway, I hope you all have lovely weekends with whatever you will be doing. I'll see you all on Monday!

Bookanista Review: Under the Never Sky, by Veronica Rossi--AND A GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-15T03:23:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited for this week's Bookanista Review, you guys! It's for a book I read months ago, and have been DYING to gush about ever since. But I wanted to wait until closer to release. So yay--now I can finally tell you how awesome UNDER THE NEVER SKY, by the incredible Veronica Rossi is!

Here's how the publisher describes the story:

Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

In her enthralling debut, Veronica Rossi sends readers on an unforgettable adventure set in a world brimming with harshness and beauty.

Now, many of you may know that Veronica is a fellow Bookanista--and you may think that biases my opinion. But I promise, I am still VERY capable of being subjective. Yes, I most definitely picked up this book hoping to love it as much as I adore the author. But after that, it's up to the book to sell me on the story. And UNDER THE NEVER SKY had me from the first page.

I know some people will probably lump this book into the dystopian genre... but I'd say it's more of a futuristic Sci-Fi thriller. However you categorize it though, there's no need to worry about the post-apocalyptic fatigue I think so many of us are feeling (*raises both hands high*). UNDER THE NEVER SKY is refreshingly different from all of the other books out there--one of my favorite things about it.

I'm not sure there's much I can say that the STARRED Kirkus review hasn't already said for me, but I'll try. The world is layered with awesome details that make it feel interesting and original. The characters are beautifully flawed, which makes them wonderfully real and relatable. Plus there's a SERIOUSLY steamy love story.

And the best part about the romance is that it builds at a believable rate. It's not insta-love-at-first-sight (far from it, actually). Nor is it I-hate-hate-hate-hate-you--wait, actually I LOVE YOU AND CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU, as I see so often in books. Instead the relationship grows from time and circumstance in a way that feels completely natural. So by the time the characters are ready to accept their feelings for each other, we are too.

Not to mention, the writing is gorgeous. I raced through this book because I HAD to know what would happen--but as soon as I was done I wanted to go back and read more slowly so I could really sink into the words and appreciate them for their beauty. But alas, I had the Bookanistas' copy and had to pass the ARC along. So I'll have to reread as soon as I can get my hands on the shiny hardcover--which is coming SOON. Like, January 3 soon. SO EXCITING!!!!!

Trust me when I say this book is worth reading. Which is why I want to help one of you get your hands on a copy. And Veronica has been amazing enough to donate one of her copies to one lucky commenter on this post!

To enter, make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Thursday, December 22th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Friday, December 23rd. International entries are--as always--welcome.

Ready?

GO!

For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:

Elana Johnson takes a shine to A MILLION SUNS
Jessi Kirby devours BITTERSWEET
Veronica Rossi is in a frenzy over FRACTURE
Katy Upperman ponders THE FUTURE OF US
Stasia Ward Kehoe sends Santa her YA book wish list

Learning how I write a book

2011-12-14T03:30:00.000-08:00

I'm finally diving back into KEEPER book two drafting (these days my writing schedule is all about juggling). Which meant I spent most of yesterday rereading the few chapters I'd already written--before my last deadline interrupted things--trying to get back in "the groove." And I discovered something surprising:

I actually liked them.

No, that does not mean they were shiny and perfect--I promise you, they weren't. In fact, they need a lot of work. But that's actually what I liked about them--crazy as that may sound. Because what I could really see in those rough chapters was:

I know what I'm doing this time.

As all of you now know (thanks to my post last week) it took me a while to learn how to write KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES (*coughs* twenty drafts *coughs*). But through that hellish ordeal I learned something important: How to write a book.

More specifically, I learned how *I* write a book.

I learned my drafting process. How I need to overwrite and cut back, because that's how I surprise myself with unplanned scenes that add so much to the story. Even though it means I end up throwing away thousands and thousands of words.
I learned how to really listen to the characters and trust what they're telling me--even if it totally screws up all my plans.
I learned that I can find a solution to any problem I come across. Sometimes it doesn't come easy, but if I think it through and keep at it I will figure it out. There's ALWAYS an answer.
I learned that it's okay to let the early draft be a mess. To keep pushing forward anyway and deal with cleaning it up later, once the whole story is in place

And I could see all of that reflected in my first few chapters. Sure, there were lots of places where the writing needed some polish or trimming, and the characters were already starting to steer me a few places I hadn't planned on going. But... that's my process. And I can see that this time. I can see where the strengths and weaknesses are, what's working and what isn't, and what I need to do. Which is the most important thing I learned throughout those twenty drafts.

I've learned to trust my instincts. Sure, those with a sharper eye than me (*waves to Laura and Liesa*) will ALWAYS catch important things I miss. But... I also know what I'm doing. I know the process I need to go through to write MY books. And as long as I know that, I can do it.

Which is probably the best piece of advice I can give any writer. Figure out how YOU write. Sure, craft books and other writers can give you pointers. But in the end, that can only tell you how THEY write. You need to figure out how YOU write. Try different things. Figure out what works for you and what doesn't. And once you find your method, stick to it and believe in it.

That's what I'm doing, anyway. I'm wading back into the muck of book two, believing I'll find my way through if I just keep pushing forward. Here's hoping I'm right! Bring it on Book Two--I am CONQUERING YOU!

Huzzah!

AHHH--It's Getting Official!

2011-12-13T03:23:00.000-08:00

So... THIS happened yesterday:

Ahhhhhhhhhhh--thats ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ON AMAZON!!!!!!!!!!!!*

It only has the ebook version so far (don't worry, the hardcover WILL be added--these things just have a weird way of updating in their own inexplicable order)--but it's there!

THAT'S MY BOOK!

And ... I know things like this are GOING to happen (if they didn't that would be kind of bad, I mean, I kinda need my book to become available to buy places).

But yeah, getting a google alert for my book and finding it on Amazon with my name as the author was one of those seriously surreal moments.

(and my author name is a link--you can click it and everything!!!) (*clicks*) (*clicks again*)

(I'm betting most of you don't find that nearly as exciting as I do!)

But... YOU GUYS--THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And it's happening soon. In fact, since Amazon has spilled the beans for me, I guess this means I can share my current, official release date. KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES is scheduled to launch into the world on...

*drumroll*

...

10 . 02 . 2012

(!!!!!)

I really <3 all those pretty 1s, 0s, and 2s in there

Oh, but I wouldn't go tattooing that anywhere if I were you guys (since I'm SURE you're all planning on doing that). Release dates are notorious for changing, so it's very possible that will not stay my release date. But, for the moment, that's the official date. And um... holy crap that's SOON!

*bites nails*

*stares at pre-order button*

*wonders if she should order one just to see if it works*

*realizes how lame that is*

*isn't sure she cares*

So... that's my week so far. How's yours going?????

*My mentioning this is NOT any sort of "buy it on amazon" endorsement, btw. Obviously I am happy and honored if anyone decides to buy my book--anywhere, in any format. But... my heart will always truly belong to Indies.

The History of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--and linkage!

2011-12-12T03:24:00.000-08:00

I get asked a LOT of questions about MMGM.

What is it?

How did you come up with it?

How can I be a part?

Why are you such a genius?*

*Okay... it's possible I made up that last one...

So I thought I'd use this week's post to give a quick history of MMGM, and explain how it works for those who don't already know. (I swear--this has nothing to do with me being behind on my reading) (okay, fine, it does) (but I do actually get asked those questions a lot) (so there!) (hee)

Okay, so... MMGM stands for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, and it's a meme I created to help spread the love for middle grade in the blogosphere. If someone wants to be a part, all they have to do is blog on a Monday about a middle grade book they love--ANY middle grade book they love--and email me a link to their post so I can add it to the master list on my blog. Then everyone can hop from blog to blog, soak up all the awesome book recommendations, and connect with other middle grade fans. Simple, easy--and a whole lot of fun.

And I came up with the idea because... well... honestly? I'd realized that I was being a HORRIBLE middle grade supporter.

No really--I was.

Not only had I noticed that middle grade didn't get a lot of attention in the blogosphere, but ... I'd noticed that whenever I blogged about anything middle-grade related, it was my lowest trafficked post--by far. And since I was working hard to build up my following and increase my traffic, I'd started avoiding talking about middle grade as much as possible. Especially on Mondays--which were my peak traffic days.

And then, about a year ago, I realized: WHAT AM I DOING??????

I am a middle grade writer and I'm avoiding talking about middle grade??????

So I decided I needed to change that--stat. If my middle grade posts weren't popular that just meant I wasn't trying hard enough. I needed to make them more exciting--and I needed to find other people who loved middle grade and connect with them. And so MMGM was born.

I chose Monday specifically because it was the day I'd previously given an "absolutely-no-middle-grade-mentions" policy. Plus, I figured if I wanted to give the books a PROPER spotlight, they deserved my highest traffic day. (And of course, it had that handy alliteration).

I decided to focus on one book (or series) a week, and to try and feature them in a way that made it clear who would best appreciate them, which ones were more adult friendly, etc. I also decided that my features would always include a contest--partially to generate more traffic, but mostly because I couldn't think of a better way to spread the love for a book than to help someone else read it. (though contests are not required for other people who participate. That's up to each individual blogger). And then... I decided I would TRY and encourage other bloggers to join me.

I'll admit--I was terrified no one else would. And for the first few weeks, it was just me.

But then... it started to grow. Little by little, my list of links slowly got longer. And every week it grows a little bit more.

Sure, it's no Waiting on Wednesday or In My Mailbox--and it probably never will be. But it's an awesome group of bloggers with a serious passion for middle grade posting about books they love every Monday. To me, that's a huge victory, and I'm amazed every week when I put the list of links together and see all that middle grade love. It's proven that there IS a place for middle grade in the blogosphere.

So I now proudly present... this weeks awesome MMGM links!

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Joanne Fritz has chills for WINTERLING. Click HERE to see why.

- Sherri Larsen has a special treat: a character interview and a giveaway of THE MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS. Click HERE for all the fun.

- Pam Torres takes us to WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON. Click HERE to read her review.

- Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is in love with MOST WANTED Click HERE to see why you should be too.

- Sheila Calderon Blankemeier reminds us why we shouldn't miss THE UNWANTEDS. Click HERE for her review.

- Deb Marshall is featuring DOGSLED DREAMS--with an author interview AND a giveaway! Click HERE for all the details.

- Danika Dinsmore has a lovely multicultural read for us this week: HABIBI. Click HERE to learn more about it.

- Gabrielle Prendergast is championing a classic about a kid, a farm house, and a blue ribbon. Click HERE to see what it is.

- Myrna Foster falls in love with DRAGONSDALE. Click HERE see why you should too.

Happy Monday!

Winners Galore

2011-12-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

This will be a quick post--cause I'm rushing out the door to go to Disneyland (clearly I didn't get enough theme parks when I was in Orlando). But I have three winners to announce before I go!

First up, the CINDER winners!

The winner of my precious ARC of CINDER, by Marissa Meyer is...

Krispy

And the winner of the CINDER audiobook, so generously donated by MacMillan, is...

Sophia Chang

Last but not least, the winner of THE DRAGON'S TOOTH, by N.D. Wilson is...

Heidi Grange

YAY!

*flings buckets of confetti everywhere*

Okay, if you're one of the lucky winners, please email me at packratx (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address. And please make sure you put "WINNER OF (insert prize here)" in the subject line so it doesn't get lost in my inbox.

For everyone else--sorry I didn't have prizes for all of you. But, as always, keep checking back here for more contests. I always have something up my sleeves. :)

Hope everyone has a great rest-of-the weekend!

Your laugh for the day

2011-12-09T03:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll admit, this is a pathetic attempt at a blog post. But it's been a busy few days (and I put most of my energy into Tuesday's post) so I thought it best to close out the week with something a friend shared with me via Twitter that made me laugh so. freaking. hard.

If you're a Mean Girls fan, prepare to snort laugh:

(Though it IS possible that I have a strange sense of humor)

Happy Friday Everyone!

Bookanista Review: A Million Suns, by Beth Revis--AND A PRE-ORDER GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-08T03:23:00.000-08:00

This week is especially exciting, because I get to gush about a book from an author who just so happens to be a fellow Bookanista. A MILLION SUNS, by the uber-fabulous Beth Revis.

Here's how the publisher describes the story:

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Now, most of you reading this probably know I'm a HUGE Beth fan. She is both an amazing writer and an amazing person. So naturally I pick up her books wanting and expecting to love them.

That aside, I AM still picky about what I like--and there have been times where I just haven't loved a book the way I wanted to--even when I'm friends with the author (and no, I'm not telling you which ones--EVER!) So you most definitely should NOT think that this review is simply a reflection of my love for Beth. I assure you, I loved A MILLION SUNS every bit as much as I love the author. And one did not bias the other.

Book twos are notoriously hard to write, because you have to bring back all the awesome things you established and then somehow build on them and make them better. And I personally thought Beth did a wonderful job with that. We still have the suffocating, claustrophobic atmosphere of the Godspeed. But where there was creepy, unnatural subservience in book one, we now have chaos and unrest, which for me made the "nowhere to go" sense even more chilling. She also answered several questions I'd had left over from ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, and managed to progress the characters in a way that felt real and natural.

The mystery had tons of twists and turns, the stakes just kept getting higher and higher--not to mention holy smokes is she not afraid to pile up the bodies. All of which made this another one of those books where I stayed in the bath long after the water had turned tepid because I just couldn't bring myself to put it down. And I can't WAIT until it launches into the world so everyone else can enjoy it as much as I did.

Fortunately you don't have to wait that much longer. A MILLION SUNS hits stores in just slightly more than a month. And to help one of you guys out, I'm giving away a pre-ordered copy to one lucky winner!

To enter, make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm PST on Saturday, December 17th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, December 18th. Usually I make my contests international, but unfortunately this time--since it's a pre-order--I have to restrict it to US Only. SORRY!

Ready?

GO!

For more fabulous book recommendations, check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:

Nikki Katz dishes on WHY WE BROKE UP

Elana Johnson roars for FURY

Carolina Valdez Miller is all about HERE with giveaway

Gretchen McNeil twirls for AUDITION

Corrine Jackson hails THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF ME AND YOU

Stasia Ward Kehoe is wild for DON’T BREATHE A WORD

Katy Upperman gets in the spirit with ELF ON A SHELF

All in this together

2011-12-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

WOW. I am overwhelmed by all the love and enthusiasm you guys showed for my post yesterday.

Other than my book deal announcement, it was--by far--my highest trafficked post, and I was stunned and amazed by all of you who posted links in forums, or on Facebook or Twitter to share it with other writers. I really had no idea it would garner that strong of a reaction.

(if you missed it and you're curious, you can find it HERE.)

I think that's the best thing about being a part of the writing community--it's a COMMUNITY. We support each other, root for each other, share each other's highs and lows. That's the reason I decided to write the post in the first place. I knew there had to be many of you who were going through some version of what I went through and feeling discouraged/frustrated/heartbroken. And I wanted you to know that you are not alone.

You really aren't, I promise.

Aside from a VERY small handful of flukey exceptions, every author has their own war story of what they had to push through in order to get where they are. And it never really stops. Writing isn't easy. Publishing is even harder. You have to WANT it, and be willing to put the work in and to keep going even when you have a million reasons to give up.

But the bright side to that is, I firmly, FIRMLY believe that the only difference between a published author and an unpublished writer is time. Keep going. Keep writing. Sooner or later you will get it RIGHT. And then you will get where you want to be.

In the meantime, we all have each other. To lean on. To learn from. To share battle scars. And to celebrate. Thank you all for always celebrating with me. I very much hope to do the same for each of you someday.

((group hug))

Shannon Messenger

How I became the most accidental YA writer ever

Other Secret News!!!

The Announcement you probably never saw coming...

Winners and MMGM Linktasticness (yes--it's a day early!)

ROAD TRIP!!!!

Bookanista Review: Dead to You, by Lisa McMann--AND AN ARC GIVEAWAY!!!!

In which I really have nothing useful to say...

Musings from the Murky Middle

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--The Billionaire's Curse, by Richard Newsome (and a Giveaway!!!)

DOUBLE and THE APOTHECARY winners

Cinder Blog Tour Stop #19: Techniques for Cinder--AND A GIVEAWAY!

Welcome new Bookanistas!!!!

Online Marketing advice from Author and Marketing Expert Shelli Johannes-Wells

Why my cover made me cry--the GOOD kind of tears!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--The Apothecary, by Malie Meloy (and a SIGNED book Giveaway!!!)

Breadcrumbs Winner

Behold--THE SHINY COVER!!!!!

Bookanista Review: Double, by Jenny Valentine--AND AN ARC GIVEAWAY!!!!

The kind of author I want to be

The Book Babe Spotlight: Author Robin Brande

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--Breadcrumbs (and a Giveaway!!!)

In which I give you my FEVER!

In which I try not to whine (but... whine a lot anyway) and give away a VERY awesome prize

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: A Shiny New Button and Links!!!

First Winners of the New Year!

My Year in Writing--2011

Bookanista Review: 12 books I can't wait for in 2012! (and a pre-order giveaway!)

A New Look for the New Year!!!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: My Favorites of 2011--and a giveaway!

Under the Never Sky Winner

In which I become determined to be productive

A Million Suns Winner!

It's that time again!

Bookanista Review: Under the Never Sky, by Veronica Rossi--AND A GIVEAWAY!

Learning how *I* write a book

AHHH--It's Getting Official!

The History of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--and linkage!

Winners Galore

Your laugh for the day

Bookanista Review: A Million Suns, by Beth Revis--AND A PRE-ORDER GIVEAWAY!

All in this together

Learning how I write a book