Many have asked me what I'm currently working on now and when they can expect a new Shannon Hale work to come forth. I'm happy to announce that what I'm working on now will come to fruition as soon as this September!
This project has been a tough one for me. While books are often mentally and emotionally demanding, this particular project has been physically so. Sleepiness is common, general aches and such, as well as extreme nausea and vomiting. In the MFA program, they didn't warn me about the vomiting. You'd think I'd abandon this project and find a new one that allowed me to keep down my dinner, but that's never been my style. Once I start a project, I see it through the end. Especially this one. Oh most especially this one.
I should mention that this is in fact a collaboration between me and my husband Dean; but to be fair, although he has had some hand in this project, I am shouldering the brunt of the work. I can't really blame him. This particular project is one that requires more of my expertise and abilities. But secretly I believe that if given the opportunity to do more of the work, Dean would say, "No, no, really, you're so much better at it. I'll just sit here and be your support system." I should also mention that the other Hale, one Nathan, had no part in this collaboration. We love his work and his partnership, but this was a project Dean and I really needed to do alone.
About nine weeks into the project, as part of the research Dean and I consulted an expert on this topic and learned, much to our surprise, that the reason this particular project has been so much more physically taxing than the previous ones was because it is not one, but in fact, two. Well, slap me silly, I didn't see that one coming. Perhaps it's like my Daisy Danger dilemma--one long book with a slightly truncated story or a trilogy with a little more depth? Except with this project, it's not up to me to decide. "Congratulations!" people say. "Two! Well done!" But I can't take credit. Sometimes you control the projects, and sometimes they control you. I am not the master of this one--I am merely the host. And thank goodness it's not a trilogy.
I will keep you updated on the progress of the project. I can't name an exact release date yet, and am not yet even certain of the projects' genres let alone titles. And given the focus I'm putting on these projects, my other work and travel will likely slow down significantly. But some projects are just that important--masterpieces, life's work. And all artists must bow to the whim of the Muse.
This project has been a tough one for me. While books are often mentally and emotionally demanding, this particular project has been physically so. Sleepiness is common, general aches and such, as well as extreme nausea and vomiting. In the MFA program, they didn't warn me about the vomiting. You'd think I'd abandon this project and find a new one that allowed me to keep down my dinner, but that's never been my style. Once I start a project, I see it through the end. Especially this one. Oh most especially this one.
I should mention that this is in fact a collaboration between me and my husband Dean; but to be fair, although he has had some hand in this project, I am shouldering the brunt of the work. I can't really blame him. This particular project is one that requires more of my expertise and abilities. But secretly I believe that if given the opportunity to do more of the work, Dean would say, "No, no, really, you're so much better at it. I'll just sit here and be your support system." I should also mention that the other Hale, one Nathan, had no part in this collaboration. We love his work and his partnership, but this was a project Dean and I really needed to do alone.
About nine weeks into the project, as part of the research Dean and I consulted an expert on this topic and learned, much to our surprise, that the reason this particular project has been so much more physically taxing than the previous ones was because it is not one, but in fact, two. Well, slap me silly, I didn't see that one coming. Perhaps it's like my Daisy Danger dilemma--one long book with a slightly truncated story or a trilogy with a little more depth? Except with this project, it's not up to me to decide. "Congratulations!" people say. "Two! Well done!" But I can't take credit. Sometimes you control the projects, and sometimes they control you. I am not the master of this one--I am merely the host. And thank goodness it's not a trilogy.
I will keep you updated on the progress of the project. I can't name an exact release date yet, and am not yet even certain of the projects' genres let alone titles. And given the focus I'm putting on these projects, my other work and travel will likely slow down significantly. But some projects are just that important--masterpieces, life's work. And all artists must bow to the whim of the Muse.
Congrats!
Posted by: Angie | April 24, 2010 at 03:48 PM
Great news!
Posted by: Miss Eliza | April 24, 2010 at 03:52 PM
Congratulations! What wonderful news. That's the best sort of project!
Posted by: Debbie (Celes) | April 24, 2010 at 03:56 PM
We have an new addition in September as well. :D But, thankfully, it's only a single run edition. Congrats Shannon!!
Posted by: MamaBug | April 24, 2010 at 04:06 PM
Congratulations! That is so exciting! I, too, am expecting twins this fall (October for me); I was blown away at the ultrasound, as I'm sure you were. Good luck! I'm excited to hear more how it goes for you, since I'm right behind you. I don't know what you've read, but I've really been impressed with "When you're expecting twins, triplets, or quads" by Barbara Luke, which was recommended to me by several mothers of twins I know.
Anyway, that was an excessively long comment; sorry, but I'm thrilled for you!
Posted by: Janelle | April 24, 2010 at 04:11 PM
Oh Shannon! I'm doing the happy dance for you! I'm so very excited for you!!! And what a very fun way to announce...thank you!
Posted by: Shannon Morris | April 24, 2010 at 04:11 PM
Double congratulations to you! How exciting.
Posted by: Mrs. Mordecai | April 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Life's masterpieces definitely are the most important work we can do. Congratulations and good luck!
Posted by: JanaBananaGirl | April 24, 2010 at 04:19 PM
Wowza! Congrats to the family. Put your feet up and order them around. You've got the best of excuses!
Posted by: Susan | April 24, 2010 at 04:35 PM
Congratulations, Shannon!
Posted by: Sarah Beth Durst | April 24, 2010 at 04:39 PM
Wow! Congrats and hope you're feeling better soon!
(two...!)
Posted by: kirsten | April 24, 2010 at 04:40 PM
Oh, my goodness! What wonderful exciting news! Congratulations!
Posted by: R.J. Anderson | April 24, 2010 at 04:44 PM
Double congratulations!!!
Posted by: Cellista | April 24, 2010 at 04:55 PM
Congrats, you are too cute! Fun way to make the announcement!
Posted by: Jena | April 24, 2010 at 04:55 PM
What a fun way to announce this! Bree told me earlier this week that you were expecting twins -- what a fun surprise. That is so exciting!! I'm sure Dialma will have plenty of great advice for you on how to handle twins. :-) Congratulations! What an awesome project (and will no doubt continue to take much of your time, even after the "release date")!!
Posted by: Sara B. Larson | April 24, 2010 at 05:05 PM
Congratulations!:)
Posted by: Beka B. | April 24, 2010 at 05:10 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: cheryl | April 24, 2010 at 05:17 PM
Oh my gosh!!!!!!!! I was dying when I gleaned the subject matter of your new project and then threw my hands over my mouth with a squeal when I read the part about how it had turned into two. SO AMAZING! I'm just so tickled for you and Dean. Wow oh Wow. So incredibly wonderful! All the best to you and your family. Good luck with your energy level because it sounds like it could be a while before you get it all back. :) Some projects just never let you rest, do they. Even after their release date.
Posted by: Karen Adair | April 24, 2010 at 05:22 PM
Just take care of yourself and your family-we'll understand the slow down on other projects. Congratulations and have Dean help out more by going on craving runs-will the cravings be different with two?
Posted by: Jean | April 24, 2010 at 05:28 PM
Ha! I love this announcement. Congratulations to you and your growing family!
Posted by: Emily | April 24, 2010 at 05:33 PM
CONGRATS! Get lots of rest and take it easy. :D
Posted by: Rabia | April 24, 2010 at 05:37 PM
hooray for baby having! congrats to you and your family! i've always wanted to have twins! i hope everything goes well for you. :)
Posted by: Lucille Bloomfield | April 24, 2010 at 05:40 PM
Whoo hoo!!!!! So very exciting! Congrats!
Posted by: Natasha @ Maw Books | April 24, 2010 at 05:48 PM
Aw, huge congrats!
Posted by: Melissa Walker | April 24, 2010 at 05:48 PM
Congrats sweetie!!!!!!
Posted by: TiaRawls | April 24, 2010 at 05:54 PM
YOU are SO CUTE!!! <3 <3 <3 xo Jenn in SF
Posted by: Jennifer | April 24, 2010 at 05:56 PM
Congratulations! And it is so cute how you wrote the announcement!
Posted by: Rebecca | April 24, 2010 at 06:04 PM
SO fun! Congrats
Posted by: Debbie/Cranberryfries | April 24, 2010 at 06:22 PM
Congratulations! So exciting!
Posted by: Princess Loucida | April 24, 2010 at 06:30 PM
This was so well crafted I didn't even quite realize you were talking about twins until the second time! Congratulations! (:
Posted by: Danielle | April 24, 2010 at 06:30 PM
How clever :-) I'm so thrilled for you! Diapers coming your way...
Posted by: Teresa | April 24, 2010 at 06:53 PM
Wow, double the Hale fun! Congratulations (no wonder you won't be doing any tours for a while :)
Posted by: melissa @ 1lbr | April 24, 2010 at 06:53 PM
Congratulations! My twin boys just turned 11. You're in for a great ride :) And, twins do like to come early--just a thought.
Posted by: Cheriwrites | April 24, 2010 at 07:00 PM
Congratulations. That it so exciting. I will have to let my daughter know, she regularly devours your books.
Posted by: Katy | April 24, 2010 at 07:04 PM
yay! Congrats to the Hales
Posted by: KT | April 24, 2010 at 07:09 PM
Yay! Congrats! I am really attached to the exclamation point regarding this entire post!!!
Posted by: Je Reve | April 24, 2010 at 07:34 PM
Congratulations Shannon! Hope you get to feeling better soon! September's my birthday...it's the best month! :)
Posted by: Frogster | April 24, 2010 at 08:00 PM
And such a clever announcement!
Posted by: Frogster | April 24, 2010 at 08:02 PM
YOu've always been good a sequels.
Posted by: DaNae | April 24, 2010 at 08:07 PM
Best. Post. Ever. Congrats!
Posted by: Dani | April 24, 2010 at 08:10 PM
That's AWESOME, Shannon! Sooo exciting.
Posted by: faith/geekspawn | April 24, 2010 at 08:37 PM
Can't you tell us ANY details? The yummy, juicy, delectable hints that get our tastebuds tingling and saliva flowing? Okay, gross imagery, but you get the idea.
Maybe a please will help. Please? PLEASE? PLEASE!!!!!!!! PRETTY PLEASE, I might die tomorrow. Think of that. What? Having details won't matter then? Oh, believe me. It will make all the difference, no matter HOW dead I might be.
I must sit and wait patiently? What is this patience that you speak of? Man, this sucks. *sulks*
Posted by: Katie-wa | April 24, 2010 at 09:53 PM
Congradulations! Wow, what a clever and eloquent way to announce this news.
Posted by: Calliope1of9 | April 24, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Ooouuu so exciting! Best wishes to you all! I was so thrilled my husband was sure I was talking about someone I knew personally. :-) Yay!
Posted by: Bethany | April 24, 2010 at 10:57 PM
Congratulations, Shannon (and Dean)! How exciting! And definitely a very clever announcement. Can't wait to hear more!
Posted by: Melissa | April 24, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Congratulations! I expected as much when you said you wouldn't be traveling much outside Utah for the next two years. But twins: Wow!
Posted by: andalucy | April 24, 2010 at 11:57 PM
Congratulations! I love the way you announced it. Very clever.
Posted by: Kim N | April 25, 2010 at 12:10 AM
Wow! Congrats!
Posted by: Melissa (Book Nut) | April 25, 2010 at 06:09 AM
Wow, I look forward to your book!
I can completely relate to the staying up at night because of a project - though I've been able to keep my dinner down so far. :)
Posted by: Loretta Torossian | April 25, 2010 at 06:37 AM
Congratulations, Shannon!
Don't worry about slowing down on your other projects!
Hope you stay healthy and the side effects stay low : )
Posted by: Kim | April 25, 2010 at 07:38 AM