I feel like I've been on maternity leave for a year and a half, but I can't lurk much longer. Two books coming out in 2012. My agent punned, "When it rains and pours, and 2012 is the year it Hales!"
- MIDNIGHT IN AUSTENLAND releases! Amazon says Jan 31 so I'm going with that. I should have a section on my website for that book by then.
- I'm doing more signings in Utah than I've done for any book, starting with the release party at The King's English on Feb. 4 and continuing through March. Also running out to the Indianapolis youth literature conference.
- Come here for your PRINCESS ACADEMY sequel updates, including the official title, cover, & release date. Bloomsbury will be doing some fun stuff to build up to it, including contests. I'm really excited about one thing we're doing and I just know some of you squeetusers will be involved.
- I will tour for PA2 this fall. I don't control where I go. Publicists usually send authors to areas where there's a strong bookstore to organize a signing event, usually in conjunction with school visits and radio/TV interviews. All of that goes through Katy Hershberger: Katy.Hershberger (at) bloomsbury (dot) com. If you want me, she's the lady to talk to!
- Oh yeah, and there's a movie in the works! I'm sure I'll have updates on the AUSTENLAND movie this year.
- Blog! Um, I'm a bit over my head at the moment, and talking to other twins moms, that may continue for the next 2.5 years. But I'll try to post at least once a week. I Twitter-talk a bit more often.
Come for the talk, stay for the photos of my twin girls, leave with a book or two. I'm honored to have you at squeetus.
Don't know how you do it all. You are made of awesome! :D
Posted by: MelissaPete | January 04, 2012 at 09:25 AM
I can't believe you are doing so much with one year old twins! My twin girls are now 5 and they are still a handful...not to mention my other two kids with another on the way. But it's hard to find time to write, let alone try to get my books published! I admire you (and envy you a little :)). Way to go! Good luck with your new year adventures.
Posted by: Michelle Merrill | January 04, 2012 at 09:35 AM
i put this blog feed on my igoogle page so i always know when you post something new! i don't mind if you go for a while between posts :) i'm excited for the new books! keep on doing your thing and the rest will follow just fine. *breathe*
Posted by: jen bryner in logan | January 04, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Squeee...Getting so excited! You are ama-zing, Shannon!
Posted by: Amelia | January 04, 2012 at 12:23 PM
I followed you here for a long time, but when I found you on twitter I stopped coming here ... dur need to bookmark this blog and come here more often!
Hope and pray you come to Louisiana...!
Posted by: Bridget | January 04, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Come to Illinois (if you have time). I'm amazed at how much you get done.
Posted by: Linda W | January 04, 2012 at 01:12 PM
I sent Princess Academy to my good friend's 9-year-old girl for Christmas. I haven't heard her reaction but if she likes it (which of course she will!) I'll be sending her the sequel for her birthday (October) or Christmas! :)
(note: I was super excited to have a child old enough to send one of your books to!)
Posted by: the dragonfly (aka stacy) | January 04, 2012 at 02:59 PM
Happy new year, Shannon. :)
Crossing my fingers you come to Southern California on tour.
Posted by: Miss Erin | January 04, 2012 at 03:10 PM
Talk about EXCITING...
Posted by: Julia | January 04, 2012 at 03:18 PM
Wait Where in Utah are you exactly comeing? Because I would die to meet a writer in person. I am I young writer myself and is hard trying to get my main lay out of my book, but i was wondering if you are thinking of making a 5th book to your "Books of Bayern Series" Those are my absolute favorite and am dying who is next to come into your world of thinking!
Posted by: Hyddie Thompson | January 04, 2012 at 03:22 PM
Haha. Love your agent's pun. I hope you make it to the Chicago area!
Posted by: Melissa | January 04, 2012 at 03:45 PM
You're coming to Indianapolis! Yay! I'll have to see if I can get to that conference. Maybe because I work at a bookstore now my boss will pay for me to go? (Maybe?)
Posted by: Debbie (Celes) | January 04, 2012 at 03:52 PM
Am excited!!!!!!! I love coming here and reading what you have to say! Thanks!
Posted by: Alexandra Wood | January 04, 2012 at 07:21 PM
I seriously can't wait for Princess Academy to come out! You said it would be released in August or summer or something...the same month I turn 16! Can't wait!
Posted by: McKenna | January 04, 2012 at 08:30 PM
Oh Shannon. I am having twins in no more than 6 weeks ( but hopefully sooner because I'm so uncomfortable I cry when I see myself walk). You have been my inspiration this pregnancy, since I followed yours here and in the last year I have a)seen you alive and with makeup ( at Dean's signing) and b) seen all members of your family alive, well-fed and in clean clothes (same event). I have been waiting for MIA and the event at TKE is on my birthday! I hope I make it, pre or post-partum.
Posted by: Meg | January 04, 2012 at 08:35 PM
Hi! I'm a long time reader (of your books and blog) and first time commenter! I love your books! I drew the cover of The Goose Girl on a chalkboard and I was wondering if I could email it to you or something because I would love for you to see it! I'm very excited for everything coming this year!!!! :)
Posted by: Kailey | January 04, 2012 at 08:41 PM
i look forward to the austenland movie news and congratulation for your baby[babies] :)
Posted by: rainakochan | January 05, 2012 at 05:59 AM
Wow! busy year ahead for you! Congratulations on your many accomplishments!
Yes, that is a good pun your agent quipped.
Well, have fun "Hale-ing"!
Posted by: EKaiserWrites | January 05, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Shannon, I'm sure you have no control over this, but just in case: I'd love for 2012 to include Full Cast Audio to get on the ball and get Forest Born out! I love their productions of your books and really hope they get rights to PA2 as well. Again, I know that's not really up to you...and I've bugged them about it on their FB page, too :)
Happy New Year and have fun chasing those adorable girls around!
Posted by: Carrie Jo | January 05, 2012 at 12:55 PM
That is so funny, Carrie Jo...I just got on here to say nearly the same thing! I love my FCA copies of the first three Bayern books (even though I own the hardbacks, too!) and would so love to hear Forest Born. Any news? :)
Posted by: the dragonfly (aka stacy) | January 06, 2012 at 10:05 AM
I wonder if I'll see you around this year? I'll have to check your schedule.
Posted by: Amber Argyle | January 09, 2012 at 11:53 AM