Rounded up

The Rapunzel's Roundup on Saturday was a rootin' tootin' good time!

We had a panel of amazing talent to share in the festivities. I wish we'd had more time to chat. These are such cool people.

Here's the team, talking about the collaboration. I'm not sure why I'm the only one with a microphone. I guess I just like looking like Madonna. Which I so do. And yes, Dean is wearing an astonishingly tiny hat atop his king-sized noggin. He's awesome.

Nate, Dean, my friend Shauna, and I did readers theater from the book, doing the end of part 1 and beginning of part 2. What am I wearing? Only the coolest costume accessory ever. It's hard to see in this pic, but Mindy Hale (Nate's wife) knit for me these amazing braids. No, not braided yarn--knit braids. It was a surprise and I am still in such awe and amazement at her talent. They so rock.

Dean and I sign books. How fun to have my honey at my side.

More signing. This cute girl had lots of buttons that I'm reading.

Margaret from The King's English reading a really good book. Wow, it must be really, really good. See how engrossed she is? Many of the booksellers wore cowboy hats, boots, and hair in braids. It was awesome.

These gorgeous girls flew in with on of their mothers from Arizona just for the day, just to come to this event. Yikes. I can't imagine it was worth the trip, but I am so honored! Fun, smart girls.

This family drove from Canada--some 40 hours! Not just for this event, I think. (I hope!) But we were honored to have them. Look how gorgeous they are! And they were just as nice, too.

After our presentation, The Stormy Mountain Boys played some sassy, salty bluegrass in the amphitheater outside.

 

That's my dad on the banjo. I don't like to brag, but he's pretty awesome.

Here's Saturday's crew, doctored up old-timey by Nate. Some seriously awesome authors. I'm so lucky to count them as friends.

As Nate said, "I don't think anybody in the picture is wearing a hat that fits." But I'm wearing one seriously kick-butt wig. Thank you, Mindy! And thanks to The King's English and everyone who made the launch memorable. Yee-ha!

Comments

[Calliope1of9]

Hey Shannon you should sell those shirts that you and Dean were wearing on the website. I'd totally buy one; it's awesome!

Looks like a really fun time too. I'm so jealous of everyone who went!

[Summermoon]

J-E-A-L-O-U-S!!!!!

Seriously, it looks awesome.

[Sylvia]

Haha love the hats.

[Heather Z.]

That was such a fun afternoon and I loved talking with all of the authors. And Nate's wife! Oh my goodness, that hair! I can't believe that was knitted. Next time you see her, please tell her she is the most amazing woman I've never had a chance to meet.

[Anidori-Isilee]

Totally wish I could have gone, but there was just the tiny matter of distance and not having enough money for either gasoline or a plane ticket.

Love the pictures!

[Carson]

So who got the piggy-back ride? And where is the photo of that?! ;)

[Dr. Sallie N. Cheinsteen]

Oh my goodness! I was so proud of you today Shannon. You were mentioned in my english class! You, your husband, Nathan Hale, and Rapunzel's Revenge! It was like my baby grown up and saving China! (Come on people, it's from Mulan).
No, really, it was cool. And I really wish I could have gone to the event. It looked amazing!

[Jane]

Wow, that wig is incredible.

[Miss Erin]

Love the pictures and recap!!

Annnd...I'm not even jealous, at all, because.....

I'M COMING TO YOUR OCT. 11th SIGNING. (If everything works out, that is. Which I am totally going to make sure it does.)

I think I might die of happiness, seeing you twice in one year. AND getting to meet Nathan and Dean, too.

[rebeccajoy]

I so wish I could've gone. Looks like everyone had a great time!!

[cuileann]

The State of Utah should Appreciate you for bumping up their tourism revenues every time you have a book release party.

I want one of those wigs to wear as a hat.

[Katie-wa]

I know what I'm going as for Halloween!!! Tee hee!

I read Rapunzel and LUUUURRRRRVED it! I'm gonna read it to my little brothers, too. It's so fun!

I NEED those braids, man. That is SO rock hard cool. Dude. Not. Fair.

I'm glad it all went so well! I can't wait until I've finished my book and I can tour and meet neat-o people too. Not that anyone will know who I am, but who gives a rip? LOL

[lisettemarie]

Shannon, what you said about economy of words in "Scripting a graphic novel" in the Rapunzel's Revenge section reminded me of something Peter Dickinson, another awesome author, said: "Nobody who has not written comic strips can really understand the phrase, economy of words. It's like trying to write Paradise Lost in haiku."

[12345]

Apperantly, you're on oprah's "12 and up" book club list for book of a thousand days:

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbookclub/kidsreadinglist/pkgkidsreadinglist/20080805_orig_kids_12up/1

[Ruby Diamond]

I cannot get over those braids! They're fantastic! So, as you know I couldn't make it (had the baby and moved to IL) but I forced my friend Laura to go and she got a copy signed for me. :D She also caught some footage of the Readers' Theater -- it's posted on the book blog we're just starting up: http://everead.blogspot.com.

[Elizabeth]

The Team Rapunzel picture is best!
That looks so fun!I wish I could've gone.

[Enna-girl's girl]

Neat-o! That looks like brilliant fun! I SO wish I could've been there!!! Amazing wigs, by the way!

[Kelsey]

Glad to see y'all had a fun time. ;)

Yay! I just read Rapunzel's Revenge. It was my first graphic novel, so kind of strange at first, but I got used to it. I loved it! Now I'm all excited again, what with the sequel and Bayern 4...new books, new books! As if I don't have enough to do. This might explain why I'm so atrociously behind in school.

[Mollie (enna-girl from LRRH)]

Oh my god Shannon! You are so cute!
I love the wig :P And the three Hales (Nathan unrelated) look like an awesome trio!

Looks like so much fun, it's a pity Australia is so far away, I would've loved to join you guys :)

[Samantha]

I was so there! Shannon is amazing, I must say. My aunt read the little script with Shannon. It was way funny. I love the book! It's super.