To my awesome, fabulous, amazing, wonderful, incredible readers!

Hey Guys,

I know--it's been forever since I've done a proper blog post. And I'm not sure if this really counts, since it's more of a rambling request than anything. But hey, it'll have an adorable kitten picture at the end, and really, what more do you need???

Anyway, I wanted to write this post today because I feel like I should warn you about how hectic things are around here right now. I've been traveling pretty much non-stop for the last month, and when you pair that with all the craziness that came with launching EXILE, it basically added up to: SHANNON IS NOW SUPER-BEHIND ON EVERYTHING.

Writing.
Email.
Facebook messages.
Writing.
Tumblr questions.
Blog Comments.
Instagram comments.
Writing.
You name it--I'm behind on it

(also: wowza--no wonder the internet is such a time suck!)

I promise, I'm not telling you this because I want you to stop trying to reach me. I absolutely LOVE hearing from you guys--it seriously makes my day, and I read each and every one of the messages you send me. So please please please don't feel like you shouldn't email/message me.

BUT, if you do, please also keep in mind that there will be a delay before I reply. Probably a long one. I promise, I *WILL* respond as soon as I can. But I have this little book called KEEPER #3 that I really really really need to finish writing (well, okay, it's not really called that--but since we don't have a title, that's what I'm calling it for now). And that's going to pretty much take up all my time for the next few weeks. Maybe longer (though hopefully not *too* much longer)

So if you're waiting to hear from me, please keep waiting. And *please* don't send additional messages just to ask if I got your first message because you haven't gotten a reply. I promise, I am getting them, and sending more just to make sure I got yours will only make it take even longer when I finally get to work on replying.

Also, just as a refresher, here's a few things to keep in mind if you're reaching out to me:

• I can't read anything you've written. I'm sure it's awesome, but I just don't have time. Plus there are all kinds of complicated legal reasons. So please don't ask--and *please* don't attach anything to your email. If you do, I'll have to delete it.  (note: this does not apply to fan art.)
• I'm currently not accepting any interview requests, nor can I help you with your homework. I really really wish I had time to do that, but right now, I just don't. If that changes I'll let you know. 
• I can't tell you anything about what's going to happen in KEEPER #3--not even if you guess. I love that you guys have theories, and feel free to keep sharing them with me. But please don't get frustrated when all I can tell you is: you'll find out when you read.

ALSO, also: please know that I am so grateful to each and every one of you. I may be a bit biased, but I personally feel like I have the most awesome fans EVER--and I can't thank you enough for all you do to support my books. Sometimes I'm not able to interact with you as quickly as I'd like. But I promise that's only because I'm working hard to make KEEPER #3 as epic as I possibly can.

I know some of you were also super bummed that you didn't win the sharpie-ed up books in my last contest--and I promise I will do another giveaway soon. But again, I have to get KEEPER #3 done first. Trust me, I'm just as eager to be done as you--and I'm working as fast as I can!

And now, I disappear into the deadline cave to get some serious writing done--but not without giving you an adorable kitten picture, of course (a promise is a promise, after all). Get ready for the cuteness! This is Melody, doing her Otter-impersonation:

Say it with me: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

Okay, NOW I'm getting to work!

*waves*

*opens draft*

*dives in*