I'll be at All Tucked In bookstore in Bountiful, Utah this Thursday at 6 pm.
While in DC, I filmed an interview with the wonderful Reading Rockets. These ladies are fabulous, and it's always so invigorating to meet people so committed to books and kids. I had a great time. This was filmed after a full day at the National Book Festival and walking a few blocks in the rain without an umbrella. So I peeked at the interview and was vainly elated to see that I didn't look too bad! Yes, that was my first concern. Pathetic much? The second concern--if I sound idiot-ish--I will leave to others to decide. I've learned something about myself today: apparently I have the power to declare myself beautiful, but not smart. Hm, will ponder...
Check it:
Another pumpkin awesomeness from Laura, world's greatest pumpkin carver. Wow. And let me segue from a forest born pumpkin into the question I'm being emailed at an astonishing rate:
"Are you going to write any more Books of Bayern?"
Not right now. I'm sorry I'm so vague! (at least I was cute after 10 hours at a book festival and a walk in the rain, right? Better to be cute and vague than just vague, huh? Huh? What?)
No, sorry, I don't really know. These characters continue to live on in my mind. I have ideas about what they're doing now, and ideas for stories, and characters I'd like to give their own book. But these books are so hard to write, and take years, and I have to be knocked upside the head with a story that I just can't resist in order to see it through. So, not right now. But maybe some day.
Oh my! I've never been the first person to comment before. Great pumpkin, too. Man, and I was proud of the one I did! I suppose that one puts all others to shame though. I mean, not only is it esquisite and gorgeous, but it's the book cover of a great book!
Posted by: Libbi | November 03, 2009 at 02:23 PM
LOVE the pumpkin!
Love the books too!
Mary
Posted by: Mary@The Sweet Bookshelf | November 03, 2009 at 02:27 PM
Love the pumpkin. (This is the first of her 2009 work I've seen....)
Posted by: Madison | November 03, 2009 at 02:39 PM
That pumpkin is awesome!!! So, when are we going to hear more about this ultra secret project of yours? ;)
Posted by: Erin | November 03, 2009 at 02:45 PM
I love reading what goes on inside of your head. You make me giggle. Thank you for your advice and for just being great.
Posted by: Tarrah | November 03, 2009 at 03:01 PM
AWESOME pumpkin! I can't get my hands on Forest Born yet, and I've been asking this question a lot here but no one is answering: Is Finn a major FB character?
Posted by: Caroline | November 03, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Cute and vague are two of my favorite things to be. Good job on combining them so effectively! And I love the pumpkin, too.
Posted by: elliespen | November 03, 2009 at 03:20 PM
That is SO amazing! What an awesome talent to have: wicked cool pumpkin carving skills!
Posted by: Christen | November 03, 2009 at 05:43 PM
That is an incredible pumpkin and illustrates the story in one picture so well!
Posted by: Katie Rose | November 03, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Such a beautiful pumpkin! I'd choose that over a carriage anyday. :)
Can I tell you something? Your last sentence had me imagining you sitting at a table, propped up by your elbows, wearing a tiara, and twirling a lock of hair one finger while saying, "Maybe someday....," in a wistful, girly sigh.
Sorry if that weirded you out a little, just thought I should tell you. XD
Posted by: Sunstone | November 03, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Being cute is all that matters in the end. Seriously. It softens all consequences (think babies if you don't believe me).
Posted by: Katie-wa | November 03, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Love the pumpkin!
Posted by: myrna | November 03, 2009 at 10:52 PM
What a fascinating and well-presented interview over at AdLit! Thanks so much for all you shared.
The pumpkin is great, too. : )
Posted by: Christina | November 04, 2009 at 06:25 AM
That pumpkin is AMAZING!
Posted by: Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams | November 04, 2009 at 07:17 AM
That pumpkin is absolutely amazing!
I have loved the Bayern books, and would love to hear more about the characters as they move about in life. But unless the inspiration hits, I'd rather not settle for something mediocre. I don't blame you one bit for not writing more at this point. Perhaps instead of a whole book you could write little epilogues or something to post on your site. (in your 'spare' time, of course! - as if moms have any)
Posted by: Susan | November 04, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Wow, fantastic pumpkin! And I (selfishly) hope you do write another Bayern book someday... I think they're plain awesome!
Posted by: Sarah | November 04, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Beautiful pumpkin.
And the paragraphs about continuing or not, so true. It reminds me of a quote from Book of a THOusand Days, "She's a good one, that Qacha. She seems to sense when to keep talking and when to let words drizzle into silence."
Posted by: Je Reve | November 04, 2009 at 10:56 AM
That's awesome!
Oh, and thanks for the heads up on the Bountiful appearance.
Posted by: Okie | November 04, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Oh, I just read "What does your husband think" for A&H. That's the hardest I've laughed all week. Thank you.
Posted by: Je Reve | November 04, 2009 at 01:34 PM
I love the pumpkin! It is amazing! Keep writing more Bayern Books and keep writing about the ultra-secret book!
Posted by: Lexi | November 04, 2009 at 05:28 PM
awesome pumpkin
Posted by: julie | November 05, 2009 at 06:32 AM
Okay. Take a break from Bayern. Work on your other books.
But after that I want more Razo and Dasha and Finn and Enna and Isi and Geric and Tusken and Rin and Conrad :]
Posted by: Chelsea | November 05, 2009 at 11:32 AM
You're not any more vain than the rest of us. Anyone who claims they don't ponder their appearance when seeing pictures or videos of themselves is just plain lying. :)
And feel free to write whatever you want (I say that like you need my permission--NOW who's the vain one?) I trust your judgment and know whatever it is will be amazing. Just be sure you keep writing!
Posted by: Shannon M. | November 05, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Now that is one fantastic pumpkin. And I know I'm not alone when I say I think it would be stupendous if you got an irresistible Finn story stuck in your head....:D But take your time, if you want. We'll be waiting.
Posted by: Frogster | November 05, 2009 at 06:38 PM
The pumpkin is beautiful, and your interview was very eloquent, Shannon. I watched all of it.
And your hair was very cute, too.
Not bad for a wet day at all, I'd say. :)
Posted by: Dr. Sallie N. Cheinsteen | November 05, 2009 at 09:19 PM
WANT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: urbiggest12yroldfan | November 10, 2009 at 05:59 PM
LOVE the pumpkin! An d if you ever do come out with another Bayern book, I will read it, no matter how many years it takes
Posted by: Anne | November 15, 2009 at 12:15 PM
That pumpkin is intense...I wouldn't have the patience for that. haha
I'm glad that you're going to wait till the right idea comes along (if it does) so that the book has quality, not just written because you had to. That said, I'd love more Bayern books and I hope the right idea hits you soon :)
Posted by: Lindsay | November 29, 2009 at 12:58 PM