A letter to Princess Academy readers

My publisher asked me to write a letter to my readers to put in the front of the Advance Reading Copy of Palace of Stone (which will be published in August). Here's the letter. WARNING: Contains Princess Academy spoilers.

Dear Reader,

While writing Princess Academy, I often thought about giving Miri a second book. I wanted Princess Academy to stand on its own, not be dependent on a sequel to finish the story. But I grew very fond of Miri and Mount Eskel. I had ideas about what happened next and looked forward to exploring them.

But first I wanted to finish River Secrets. Then Book of a Thousand Days called so loudly to me, I had to follow that story. By the time I was free to start something new again, Miri's story was very quiet in my mind. Princess Academy had reached more readers and garnered more shiny recognition that I could have ever hoped for or dreamed of. I decided to let it lie. Readers would tell themselves what happened next with Miri, and those stories were bound to be lovely and important. I did not want to intrude.

A couple of years later, I was thinking about Miri and Britta and the wedding in Asland, and a word popped into my mind: Revolution.

Every time I thought about Miri and the unwritten sequel that word would sparkle, tempting, inviting: Revolution.

Miri was a revolutionary in her own way on Mount Eskel. Her very personality fostered new ideas, yearned for change and equality. If there were stirrings of revolution in Asland, she would be drawn to them. However, her best friend was the princess, about to marry the prince. The complication, the split allegiances, the ideas and events it would allow me to explore absolutely thrilled me.

I could no longer let Miri's story lie. I couldn't wait to return to Mount Eskel, journey with her to Asland, and see what happened next.

Thank you for your enthusiasm for Princess Academy, and thank you for giving me the years to find Miri's best next story.

love,
Shannon Hale

Comments

[Mikael]

Um... When is this coming out?? Can't wait!

[Connie Onnie]

Shannon I am currently re-reading Princess Academy in anticipation for Palace of Stone, it is so much fun to revisit the book and so excited to get more soon!!!

[Q]

I'm reading Palace of Stone now. :D

[SarahJennette]

Thank you for the gift of your stories! I'm excited to see what happens to Miri and her friends. :)

[Meredith]

EEEEEEEEEEE!!! I cannot wait for this book!

[McKenna]

Oh gosh!!!! This makes me want to read it SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO bad!

[Catherine]

Gosh dang it, I want to read that book!!!

[Burgandy Ice]

*Sigh* "Revolutionary" is so perfect. I can't wait!!

Can we share your letter?

[Amelia Loken]

"Revolutionary". Love it! :)

[Katy]

I always knew Miri was talkin' about a revolution. (Thank you for finishing "River Secrets" and writing "Book of a Thousand Days" first.

[Callie the Celt]

Shannon, that's such a great revelation. I'll be honest with you, I wanted Princess Academy to be a stand alone book. But seeing how the inspiration came to you, I can tell that the continuing story for Miri was there waiting to be told. It looks like the story found you. I'm very glad that you wrote Palace of Stone. I can't wait to read it.

[HannahMW]

How can I possibly wait? All of your books are treasures and I know this one will be to :)

[Ashley R.]

Oh, I'm so excited! I'm rereading Princess Academy-like so many others-so I'm ready for Palace of Stone. I cannot wait. Congratulations!

[Claire]

Shannon, thank you for waiting till you had a story before writing a sequel to Princess Academy. i always find it so annoying when writers write sequels to books because it will make them more money but don't actually have any story to tell. Congrats!!! can't wait to read it. :)

[Naya K.]

Hi Shannon!!

With the release of your book "Forest Born," you have officially become my all-time faaaaaaaavorite author!! Ever since my mom brought home "Princess Academy" almost seven years ago, I've browsed and hunted and frantically roamed through library shelves searching for other books by you and now I've read "Book of a Thousand Days" as well as "Princess Academy" and all your Bayern Books. Can't wait to read the sequel to "Princess Academy"!

TO SHANNON: READ ONLY THE PARAGRAPH BELOW IF YOU'RE SHORT ON TIME! otherwise, you're more than welcome to read the above paragraph where I ramble on and on about how much I love your writing :D

Hopefully, you will be able to answer this one burning question of mine because it's a simple Yes/No question and therefore won't take up much of your time. Here it is: Can I use the name Isilee for a character in my novel? I'm trying to finish up the last few drafts of my novel to send to publishers, and I really, really REALLLLYYYY want to use Isilee as the name for my main character. It's so perfect!!
So, can I? Can I? I'll give you credit, of course, if you want it. (Pretty please with your favorite sweet treat on top?)

[emily]

When does it come out i want to read it now!! P.A is in my top five books i need to find out what happens next!

[Alison]

Such. A. Tease. Gosh, I'm going to go insane waiting to get my hands on that book. Thanks for the lovely letter, here's one to you (very short, but it needs to be said!)
Dear Shannon Hale,
I just finished MIA again, and loved it again. You are such a magnificent author. You inspire me!From the moment I first read Princess Academy and Goose Girl, I've fallen in love with your characters, your settings, and your style. I absolutely eat up every one of your books. I always know if it has your name on it, it will not only be a spectacular story, it will be uplifting and thought provoking. Sometimes, life doesn't make it seem like we can have a happy ending. And then, I go read one of your books and I know a happy ending is possible. Thank you for all the stories you've shared with us. You are one of the fabulous authors that have inspired me to be an author myself. One day, when I finish and publish a novel, your name will be listed in thanks with my other favorite authors, including JK Rowling, Rick Riordan, Gail Carson Levine, Harper Lee, and many others. Thank you!
Always,
Alison

[Elle]

Ah, Q why do you have to be so lucky, (and talented with figuring out those covers)! I'm counting down the days *cough cough, two months, one week, and one day, cough cough*. Shannon Hale you are just as good as Jk Rowling. Your books are as good as Harry Potter. I could never decide which books are better, who could? I have too many obbessions between you and Jk Rowling.

[Lindz]

Oh. My. Gosh. I am even more excited after reading that!!!!!!! Love the idea!

[Nancy]

I can't WAIT for the book to come out >.< Ahhh such a long time ;n; I've been reading Princess Academy over and over again~It's going to be amazing I just know it.