...did I ever leave Ohio? Back from our three days in Ohio--all the events were supa-awesome, and getting home was supa-horrific. Canceled flights, hours upon hours in an airport. I'll post photos and stories after the Florida trip next week--see Libba's fantabulous blog for an immediate update. Libba and I have been inundated with requests to extend the tour to other areas--which is supa-flattering! But sadly not going to happen. It is physically painful for me to be away from my little ones so much, and also hard on them and Dean and their caretakers in my absence. I'm trying to cut back on travel as much as possible and will be doing a very abbreviated tour for rapunzel's revenge this fall.
I'm still waiting for the ok to post contest results here. Soon I hope.
I have neglected to mention that I sort of had another book come out last month. First Kiss (Then Tell) is an anthology of young adult writers telling the true story of their first kiss (or other kisses). Bloomsbury asked me for a piece, and since my first kiss was fairly lackluster, I decided to write about my first kiss with Dean. Then I sent it to him and asked him to write a response. Bloomsbury decided to go with that one, which is way fun but also very ironic. Dean (comics nerd and absurdist horror writer) ends up having his first publication in a YA anthology about kissing. It would damage his manliness more if he wasn't so HUGELY manly that the little chip in the armor isn't even noticeable.
I got a tremendous kick out of the Kirkus review, which said, "the most delicious story is Shannon and Dean Hale sharing a he said/she said about their first kiss with each other." Dean's first review rocked!
We're going to do a little chat and signing for this book at The King's English in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, February 12, 7 pm. (I'll sign other books as well, of course. Really anything, except Ray Bradbury. I got in trouble once for signing a Ray Bradbury.) Little FYI--none of the writers received compensation for our pieces in this book, instead our portion of the royalties goes to support NPR's Youth Radio. And little disclaimer: While I wasn't offended by anything in this collection, it is about kissing and romantic attraction. If you are a concerned parent, I recommend reading it first before you give it to a child.
Off to Miami on Tuesday! More Torso Tour reporting to follow, plus upcoming author interviews, contest results, answers to emailed questions, and how to eat nothing but chocolate and still lose weight!
Tuesday. Harumph. I am becoming less excited for other people and more annoyed at the amazing and fantastic signings going on all around the world. I know this is horribly petty because I have had my fair share of Shannon but I'm allowed to be petty. I'm a teenager.
*still speaking in the same annoyed tone* Congratulations (seriously) I read FIRST KISS and thought it was hilarious. Good for you. Both.
The End.
Posted by: Enna Isilee | February 02, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Oooooh. I've been meaning to pick that up!
I wish you would come to Texas, but I know you are quite busy, and of course you do miss adorable little Max and Maggie. and Dean. :)
Posted by: maribeth_kayla | February 02, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Awesome "Wonderful Town" allusion in the title! I'm excited to read First Kiss, which sounds both awkward and amazing all at once.
Posted by: Gretchen | February 02, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Okay, that story about Dean writing about your first kiss was hilarious. I love that it was such a girly topic. It's nice to be married to a sensitive man, isn't it?
Posted by: Caryn | February 02, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Ugh, I know what you mean about missing people. My parents are in Mexico, and I want them home. I love my gramma, she's amazing, but I am tired of having to get after children and keep them in order! (I have 4 younger brothers. Yikees.) Hope other things run good for you. I REALLY enjoyed it when you and Libba came to Powell's in Portland. It was fawesome. I was shaky and sick from excitement, awe, and nervousness. You gals are just SO cool. I wish I could be best friends with you both. *sigh*
Congrats on your kissing. ;)
Posted by: Katie-Wa | February 02, 2008 at 11:31 PM
That sounds really (cool? awesome? outstanding?) sweet ;D
And congrats on that great first review, Dean :D
Posted by: Bohae | February 03, 2008 at 03:24 AM
My flight was delayed, too, though waiting five? hours in an airport is not so bad as it might seem.
Of course, after meeting you and Libba the night before, nothing could have put me in a bad mood. :D
And your and Dean's story in the anthology was absolutely hysterical. I read it at Borders the other week and was actually laughing quietly.
Posted by: Anidori-Isilee | February 03, 2008 at 05:17 AM
Dang! I was going to bring my copy of The Martian Chronicles! How about Tolkien -- will you sign that?
Posted by: Ruby Diamond | February 03, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I've seen "First Kiss (Then Tell)" about a million times at Borders and I've never noticed even one of the authors on the side. The title just sort'a seemed like teen drama. (Which I don't enjoy.) But I suppose I must begin to see beyond the cover and title.
Ohhhh Deeeeaaaaan! Congrats on your first publication! ;) I can't wait to read it. You're a great horror writer in my opinion, but I MUST read about your kiss! It'll be different and so interesting.
Posted by: Ellenboro | February 03, 2008 at 12:01 PM
I can't wait to read your story. It sounds fabulous and I'm having Shannon Hale withdrawal anyway!
Posted by: Biel | February 03, 2008 at 12:03 PM
How fun is this? I love NPR's Youth Radio and I love reading. Perfect combination!
Posted by: Nancy | February 03, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Hi Shannon,
I have been reading your blog for about a month now, and finally decided to comment! I simply loved Book of a Thousand Days, and just finished reading The Goose Girl. Both were written wonderfully, and I thank you for creating them.
I really wanted to go to the book-signing in Miami, but unfortunately I have to work. You'll absolutely dazzle everyone there!
Posted by: Sophie | February 03, 2008 at 04:04 PM
"It would damage his manliness more if he wasn't so HUGELY manly that the little chip in the armor isn't even noticeable." - BEST line in the whole blog.
I love seeing the love you have for each other. You are right, Dean is an amazing writer (and so cool in person too!) this will be fun to see "the other side" of manly Dean. I cannot wait for Rapunzel's Revenge to come out. You and Dean collaborating together should be nothing less than phenomenal.
Posted by: Heather | February 04, 2008 at 06:26 AM
After reading his stories on Deadcrumbs it's kind of funny to think about him writing a story about his first kiss with you, but it sounds so cute. I'll have to get it.
Posted by: Chelsea | February 04, 2008 at 09:00 AM
When will you post about the results of the princess tips contest?
Posted by: Ruth | February 04, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I forgot your B-Day present to drop off whilst I was delivering for the Goopher.
I guess I'm about the worst friend ever. (Here's a hint: I got you a copy of "Austenland", signed by Ray Bradbury.)
Oh Snap!
Good luck in Miami. Avoid the sound machines, if at all possible.
Posted by: Marcus Aurelius | February 04, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Wow, I have passed 'First Kiss (Then Tell)' about a million times at the bookstore and never gave it a second thought. Now, I've gotta get down there to read that book!!! *Running really fast*
Oh, and same as Ruth, When are you gonna post the results. I'm dying to know who won!! :)
Posted by: Andrea | February 04, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Marcus Aurelius strikes again! That was very funny.
Posted by: Q | February 04, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Sorry, guys, we'd hoped to announce on Jan. 26 but then we had to get written permission from all the winners' parents since they're under 18, so we're waiting on that. At this point, though, the winners probably already know who they are.
Posted by: shannon hale | February 04, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Q, I agree with you.
Marcus Aurelius, where do you get all that wit? Do you think you could give me some?
Posted by: Ellenboro | February 04, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Sorry to double post but the extra wit would come in VERY handy when you have to write three short stories and about seven poems every nine-weeks (at school the semesters are divided in half).
Not to mention essays, formal essays, extra-credit extra-informal essays, the great big "short" story due at the end of the year...
Posted by: Ellenboro | February 04, 2008 at 05:55 PM
I will be happy everytime I see the word Ohio on your blog. *Hugs self.* Because I was there. And we arm wrestled. And you signed my books. *Hugs self again.* Yay!
Posted by: Reese | February 04, 2008 at 07:17 PM
See you tonight, Shannon! I'll try to write a sonnet for you- we're learning about them in English!
And I read Austenland. It ROCKED!! I think I'm going to remember this novel in the form of Jane's many boyfriends.
Posted by: Jaya Lakshmi | February 05, 2008 at 01:28 PM
I found First Kiss at B&N yesterday, jsut to read your part of it. It was quite amazing. Hales, you are hilarious.
Posted by: Q | February 05, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Waiting patiently for the "eat nothing but chocolate" report...
Posted by: Laura | February 05, 2008 at 09:46 PM
It was great seeing you and Libba at Books & Books yesterday. i plan on reading both books the minute i can lay my hands on them. thanks for reinspiring me to become a writer :)
Posted by: Adanma | February 06, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Sorry, I know this a bit off topic, but I just pre-ordered Rapunzel's Revenge on Amazon.com. I was so excited to see it there FINALLY! Wah hoo and way to go!
Posted by: Nancy | February 07, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Ack! I was reading all those comments. And the comment I posted before was posted by someone else! And it says my name above theirs.
Haha. Computer's fault.
Posted by: Reese | February 08, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Holey Moly! That First Kiss book sounds great, and not only am I ecstatic that you and your husband are in it, but Deb Caletti is too. She is wonderful.
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 09, 2008 at 05:22 PM
It did it again! It switched the comments. I am not Nancy. I am just Reese.
Posted by: Reese | February 10, 2008 at 12:30 PM