Shannon Messenger's Blog, page 37

KEEPER 2 Title and Cover REVEALED!!!!!

I am SO EXCITED that I can finally share this with you guys--the wait has been TORTURE. 
I'm not going to bother saying anything else, because I know you're all just going to scroll right down to look at THE PRETTY--and I don't blame you!!! Go. Bask in the AWESOMENESS!


...



...




Ta Da!

ISN'T IT GORGEOUS??????????????????
*stares*
*stares more*
And obviously you can also see the title for book two:

EXILE
dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnn.
I have a feeling I will never be able to stop myself from calling it KEEPER 2 (habits are hard to break). But EXILE is a perfect title.

And in case you can't already tell, that is NOT the same boy that's on the cover of book 1. 
That, my friends, is KEEFE!
KEEFE!!!
(Which does NOT mean that I am Team Keefe. I am Team Sophie. BUT KEEFE ON MY COVER IS STILL INSANELY AWESOME)
For those of you trying to guess what's going on in the scene--or what that BEAUTIFUL creature is--you can find a few clues in the blurb for the back of the book (warning: there are some *slight* book 1 spoilers in this--though nothing you don't learn in the very first 2 pages of the book):

Sophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together.  

But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there. And when Sophie discovers new messages and clues from the mysterious Black Swan group, she’s forced to take a terrifying risk—one that puts everyone in incredible danger.  

As long buried secrets rise to the surface, it’s once again up to Sophie to uncover hidden memories—before someone close to her is lost forever. 

In this second book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie must journey to the darkest corners of her luminous world in a sequel that will leave you breathless for more.

If you think that sounds as awesome as I *hope* you do--or just want to make me happy--you can add KEEPER 2: EXILE to your goodreads shelves HERE. You can also like the facebook page for the entire KEEPER series HERE.

And ... that's all for now. Ff you need me, I will be here. STARING AT THE SHINY.
*stares*
*still staring*

*WILL BE STARING FOREVER*

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: 33 Minutes ... Until Morgan Sturtz Kicks My Butt, by Todd Hasak-Lowy--and a giveaway!!!

Keeping with my promise of trying to get a *little* more on track with my blogging, I ACTUALLY HAVE AN  MMGM!!!!  It's for a book I've been so excited about that it was seriously the FIRST thing I read as soon as I found a second to actually read.

But before I get to the gushing, I did want to give one quick reminder that TOMORROW I  WILL BE REVEALING THE COVER FOR KEEPER #2!!! Also the title. And the blurb on the back to give you a few clues as to what it's about. So make sure you stop by--it is an AMAZING cover. Somehow even better than the first!!!!

And, that's enough shameless Shannon self promotion. Now back to spreading the love for 33 MINUTES... UNTIL MORGAN STURTZ KICKS MY BUTT, by Todd Hasak-Lowy.



Here's how the publisher describes it:
Sam Lewis is going to get his butt kicked in exactly 33 minutes. He knows this because yesterday his former best friend Morgan Sturtz told him, to his face and with three witnesses nearby, “I am totally going to kick your butt tomorrow at recess.”

All that’s standing between Sam and this unfortunate butt-kicking is the last few minutes of social studies, and his lunch period. But how did Sam and Morgan end up here? How did this happen just a few months after TAMADE (The Absolutely Most Amazing Day Ever) when they became the greatest Alien Wars video game team in the history of great Alien Wars teams? Was it when new kid Chris showed up and suddenly Morgan kept having other plans on the weekend? Or when Morgan joined the football team while Sam became a star Mathlete?

And when it really comes down to it, will Morgan actually go through with it?

Told with equal parts laugh-out-loud humor and achingly real emotional truth, 33 minutes shows how the best of friendships can change forever
Sounds amazing, right? I promise--it is!
If I'm being honest, this isn't *usually* the type of book I love. I'm much more of a fantasy than a contemp kind of girl--not that I don't enjoy a good contemp. They're just not usually the books I'm counting down the days for. But I was SO excited to read this one. Not sure if it was the 33-minute countdown format (which is awesome, btw) or the theme of friendships falling apart, but this one went straight to the top of my TBR pile (and... then sat there for 4 months while I battled through launch and deadlines. *sigh*)
There are many things I loved about this book--from the super-fast pace to the awesome illustrations to the parts that made me laugh out loud. But I think my favorite part was one of the main reasons I wanted to read it in the first place: the theme of friendships changing/crumbling. 
For me, that's what middle school was all about. I lost my best friend in 6th grade, and I still remember how confusing it was to be so frustrated and hurt, and yet not ready to give up the friend either. 33 MINUTES captures all those feelings SO PERFECTLY.  I wish it had existed when I was a kid, it would've helped so much. 
And I loved that the author didn't have it be completely one sided (i.e. IT IS ALL THE OTHER KID'S FAULT). Sam makes mistakes too. And some of it isn't even a "mistake" for either of the boys. It's just growing up and growing apart. So real and true to how it really is.
Other strong points: it's a FAST read. I read it all in one sitting. The pace and illustrations also make it a great pick for boy or reluctant readers. And the humor is so well done. Definitely one of those books I can see kids and adults loving. I know I did. Which is why I'm also giving a copy away!
If you would like to enter, leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, January 12th. I'll draw one random winner and post their names on Sunday, January 13th. International entries welcome!
For more awesome middle grade recommendations, check out these other MMGMs floating around the blogosphere.*

- Barbara Watson is championing THE THIRTEENTH SIGN--with an ARC GIVEAWAY. Click HERE to enter.  

- Myrna foster is swept up in GOBLIN SECRETS. Click HERE to see why.  

- Deb Marshall has her Cybill's reading round-up #1. Click HERE for all the fun book features.  

- Temre Beltz is in love with THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Click HERE for her review.  

- Faith Hough is gushing about TWELVE KINDS OF ICE. Click HERE to see what she thought.  

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) interviews the chickens from KATERINA'S WISH. Click HERE to see what that's all about. 

- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are spotlighting THE SECRET OF THE FORTUNE WOOKIE. Click HERE to see what these two middle grade readers thought of it.  

- Andrea Mack is caught up in A TINFOIL SKY. Click HERE for her review.  

- Susan Olson is struck by 13 HANGMEN. Click HERE for to see why. 

- Rosi Hollinbeck is sweet on THE CANDY SMASH--and she's got a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE for all the fun! 

- Dorine White is interviewing author Erik Olsen. Click HERE to read more.  

- Jennifer Rumberger is showcasing NAVIGATING EARLY. Click HERE to see what she thought.  

- Danika Dinsmore is ALSO gushing about THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Click HERE to see why.  

- Charlotte Taylor is cheering for THE LOST HEIR. Click HERE for her thoughts. 

- Laurisa White Reyes is interviewing author S.A.M. Posey--with a giveaway. Click HERE for all the fun. 

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week.   

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.  

 - Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.    

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time

Shannon's Back (and other--more exciting--things!)

I've promised myself I'm going to TRY and be better about blogging--especially when it comes to keeping you guys updated about things. I know I won't be able to blog every day, but I'm planning to have a few MMGMs again (in fact, I have an awesome one planned for this coming Monday!) and I'll have the links again no matter what. And then I'm going to TRY and post at least once more each week--though we'll see how it goes. My Jan is intense. But I miss you guys!!!
Today my brain is too fried for an actual intelligent post (I did that yesterday). So I thought I'd update you on a few things.
First and foremost, TODAY I WILL BE TURNING IN LET THE SKY FALL #2!!!! In fact, I may have already done it by the time you're reading this.  I AM OUT OF THE DEADLINE CAVE!!!! For... about a week. Then I'm back with a vengeance. But still--milestone = CROSSED!!!
Second, I am SO super excited to share this AMAZING review from the School Library Journal for KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES!!!!

This debut novel is a powerful and appealing package of skillful world-building, fantasy, suspense, mystery, and middle-school relationships. Sophie Foster, a friendless 12-year-old high school senior with a photographic memory, is plagued by the hubbub of other people’s thoughts in her brain. She has always known that she is different, but her life changes profoundly when she learns that she is an elf with telepathic and other magical abilities. She is transported away from her human family forever to the elvin world, where the Lost Cities (Atlantis, Shangri-la, etc.) exist and extinct animals are thriving. As Sophie starts at her new school, her concerns about friendships, midterms, crushes, and grades in subjects such as “the Universe,” “elementalism,” and “alchemy” will hook readers. While navigating her new life, Sophie must solve two mysteries: First, who is setting all those magical-seeming fires in the human world? And second, who could be leaving items in her locker that repeatedly put her in serious danger? The more she learns, the more her memories return, uncovering secrets about her past. The suspenseful climax leads to a satisfying resolution, although Messenger leaves just enough threads hanging for a possible sequel. A slew of interesting and well-drawn characters, careful plotting, and just plain good storytelling will have readers racing through the pages.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

     *sniffles* I'm telling you, it's taking everything in me not to fly to NY and hug her!!!  
I've also updated my Appearances page with a few of the awesome things I have coming up--and check back often because I have a bunch more things I'm still in the process of finalizing!
And FINALLY--and probably MOST AMAZING OF ALL: I GET TO REVEAL THE COVER FOR KEEPER 2 NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And the title.
And the back blurb so you'll actually get a few clues about the plot. 
ARE YOU AS EXCITED AS I AM???? Cause seriously, I can't WAIT. I have it all scheduled up for Tuesday so make sure you stop by. I hate to say this, because I love my cover for KEEPER so very much. But honestly? I think KEEPER 2 is even better. For realz. Can't wait to share.
And... that's it for now. I need to get back to my final read-through on LTSF #2 so I can turn it in. 
Have a great weekend, everyone!!!!

My Year in Writing 2012

Every year I like to put together a month by month look at writing journey over the past twelve months. But thanks to the draft of doom (WHICH I FINALLY TYPED THE END ON LAST NIGHT!!!) I'm a couple of days late with this. OOPS. But hey, if anything sums up the craziness of my 2012 writing year, it's that!
(and btw, you can find 2011's post HERE 2010's post HERE and 2009's post HERE)
January THE SECRET IS OUT!!!It's hard to believe there was a time period where you guys didn't know about LET THE SKY FALL--but there was. I sold that series in early July 2011 and sat on the secret for SEVEN MONTHS while we figured out contracts, and--most importantly--the title. My agent didn't want to announce until we'd landed on the book's final title and, well, let's just say getting there was a PROCESS. Apparently I write hard to title books. But it was worth the effort because I LOVE that title. And I finally got to share the news with you and let everyone know why I'd been whining so very much about deadlines. I had a LOT of them. But I was sure I would have NO PROBLEM hitting them. Oh naive Shannon, you were so cute!!!
February Sequels are... fun?I'd already started the sequel to KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES, but... it was going slow. REALLY slow. So slow, in fact, that I only had about half of the book written, and I'd roughly mapped out my year to have the first draft done and turned into my editor by March 1. CUE PANIC. The worst part was, I didn't know why it was taking me so long. I wasn't procrastinating (well, more than I ever do). I had it all plotted out in my head. But every time I opened the draft, I froze.  I was also starting to discover how very much more work there is to this publishing thing besides just drafting. There's copyedits. And first pass pages. And marketing. And I had it all happening x 2 and it was seriously starting to pile up and freak me out. My editor and I talked and she assured me that it wouldn't mess things up if it pushed into April, and I tried to tell myself it would all be okay. I just needed to relax and remember that I loved my job and was super lucky to get to share both of my series with people. And there were plenty of things to remind me how awesome publishing is, a major one being: I got my first ARCs of KEEPER!!! Holding a real version of my book for the first time was pretty much the most exciting thing ever. 
March Okay, sequels SUCK!If you can't tell by that subtitle, the whole writing KEEPER 2 thing wasn't going any better. I felt like the ending was running away from me, and no matter how many chapters I added I wasn't getting any closer. And I was seriously getting scared. Writer friends assured me that Book 2 Woes were normal. But I felt like I was drowning. Which made for a very bipolar experience because there were also EXCITING THINGS happeneing. KEEPER got blurbs from two of my absolute favorite authors (yes, I totally cried) and foreign rights on both of my books were selling and all kinds of crazy internal marketing things were happening and it was feeling very much like, Wow, THIS IS SO AMAZING AND SO TERRIFYING AND HOW DID MY LIFE GET SO CRAZY??? Debuting is a wonderful, confusing, stressful, impossible-to-wrap-your-head around thing. 
April EPIPHANY!!!So, it was April. And I still didn't have a draft. My wonderful, long suffering editor had told me it would still be okay pushing into May, but I knew that I absolutely COULD NOT go any longer than that. I still had another book to write that year. And I knew the delay had to mean something was WRONG. I just couldn't figure out what it was until one day when I was driving (I do my best plotting behind the wheel) and a song came up on my iPod that gave me an EPIPHANY. The good news was: I FINALLY KNEW HOW TO WRITE KEEPER 2. The bad news was: Without realizing it, I'd been writing KEEPER 3, and the story was running away from me because it wasn't ready to be told. I had other stories I had to tell first. So I... had to throw away at least half of what I had and start all over. The only thing that calmed the panic was that I FINALLY had a plan. I FINALLY knew what I was doing. I just had to do it in a very tight space of time. So I basically didn't sleep or leave the house for 2 weeks while I wrote about 2/3 of a very very very long book. Yes, it was as tiring as it sounds.
May She didn't hate it!!!Turning in your first book 2 is a SCARY thing. It's the first time you give your editor something they bought without ever seeing, and yeah, there are all kinds of voices in your head wondering what will happen if she hates it??? In my case those were multiplied by like, 50, partially because, well... I'm me and I'm paranoid. But mostly because I'd written a completely different book than what I'd told her I was going to write, and I had no idea what she would think. Luckily, she LOVED it. I actually do too. After all the grief that book gave me, I'm pretty darn proud of it. Though it still needed work. A LOT of work. Like, 8 page revision letter work. So back to the writing cave I went. I also had the reality of 2 series at once start to sink in as covers and blurbs and all kinds of other madness started happening for LET THE SKY FALL. It was seriously awesome, but also made me realize how many different ways I had to use my brain when it came to writing/promo, and well... I'm not sure I have enough brain to spare! :)
June It gets REALJune began the two month period that looking back I call the, "I should be writing" months. I had my revision letter. I had my plan for how I was going to solve the issues. But... there were so many other CRAZY EXCITING THINGS that I let distract me from working as hard as I should have been. Like going to NY for the first time for my first ever BEA. Or a couple of weeks later when I was at ALA in Anaheim. There really are no words for those experiences. They're just so humbling and amazing and yeah, a little scary. Huge towers of KEEPER ARCs went out into the world, and even though I love my book--and I knew many others would too. I also knew that no book ever has EVERYONE love it. So the whole concept of reviews and criticism became a very big reality, and I found myself a bit scared to go online (I still am, honestly) because I didn't want to let any of that negativity creep into my writing process. 
July Okay, now its REALLY GETTING REALThe thing about releasing a book is, it builds. The closer you get to release, the more THINGS are happening to try and get the buzz going and get people excited. And when you're doing it for the first time it's all very thrilling and confusing and exhausting and terrifying (especially when it's happening for 2 series in 2 age categories coming 5 months apart). Ads were popping up places, as were reviews--even though I was trying to avoid them. Contests had to be run. I had Comic Con to attend and launch parties to plan and my first early fan emails were coming in and it was all so very distracting, that once again I was not focusing as much on the most important part of an authors job: writing books. Which brought me to the end of July with a draft only about a 1/3 of the way revised and an August deadline. Reaping what you sow--not fun.
August Long Books FTW!The first half of the month was basically: reviserevisereviserevise. I had a LONG, messy book to clean and not a lot of time. So I worked on it every second I had. Brought my edits with me everywhere. And FINALLY got it done. Only problem was, somehow in all that revising I'd made the book longer--and it was already pretty darn long. I turned it in, telling my editor tell me where to cut and I will. But the funny thing about wordcount is, there are no real rules. The book turned out to be exactly as long as it needed to be. Even better? It was DONE. I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure I had another revision to power through (in fact, I'm sure that will never happen again). But miraculously, other than a couple tiny tweaks, the book was done. MY FIRST SEQUEL WAS DONE!!!
September Changing gearsI'd love to say that I got to celebrate finishing KEEPER 2 with some much needed time off. But alas, thanks to the months I'd wasted, I had to jump right in to the other sequel I owed my editor, which we'd agreed I'd have to her by November 30. That... wasn't a lot of time. But I was sure it would be easier this time. After all, I'd written a sequel now. I knew what to expect. I was pro at this. Once again, Naive Shannon was so very adorable!!! Especially since I was also thinking it would be easy to get in the habit of working while traveling. I had all kinds of events on my calendar between the end of September and the end of October--but surely it would be easy to write on the plane and go back to my hotel room and get work done right? RIGHT??? Spoiler alert: not so much.
October IT'S HERE!!!!! ITS HERE!!!!Honestly, October is kind of a blur. 2 days into the month my dream officially came true and shiny copies of KEEPER were placed on shelves for all the world to buy (well, if they wanted to. Here's hoping they want to). There really is no way to describe the feeling. I still don't think I've processed it. But that's probably also because I had so many launches and signings and events and school visits. I think I was only home about 12 days all month. It was AWESOME. Getting to meet with actual kid readers is hands down the BEST part of this job. But... it's also a bit tiring. And horrible for my writing schedule. It takes a LOT of discipline to stumble back to your hotel room after traveling all day and get to work--and apparently I was not very disciplined. I did finally get a bit better about it toward the end of the month. But... it was a little too late.
November Sequels Suck--THE SEQUELOnce again, I was way behind. Part of it was everything else I had going on. But I knew it was more than that. The story just didn't want to be told. (Have I mentioned sequels are hard? THEY ARE!!!)  I was less than a month away from my deadline and I had barely a quarter of the book written. And I hated pretty much every word. I'd love to say I had another epiphany that made it all come together, but LTSF 2 wasn't that cooperative. It DID tell me I needed to delete about half of what I had--which was so much fun!!! (not). But after that, it still fought me every step of the way. It would give me tiny glimmers of guidance, and then get all stubborn and murky again. I tried to fight through. But no matter what I did, I couldn't catch up. So once again I had to go to my ever-patient editor and beg for more time (have I mentioned she's AMAZING???) Luckily she gave it to me. Though I still knew it was going to be tight.
December VICTORY (a day late--but still!!)December was pretty much a repeat of November, with the added desperation of I CANNOT MISS THIS DEADLINE. I went dark on the blog. Started staying up late and then getting up early. Email had to be ignored. Housework too. I pretty much lived in my sweatpants and batman shirt with my hands chained to my laptop. I'm grateful you guys were willing to put up with me (and dude, my poor husband). It took every single minute I had--plus one extra day (SIGH). But I made it. A little after 11pm on 1/1,  after the three longest drafting days of my life, I FINALLY typed "the end" on LTSF 2. It still needs a LOT of work. But it's done. I did it! I wrote 2 books in one year (well, one year + one day--but work with me people that is pretty darn close)!!!!
:)
*Whew*
Now I know why I'm so tired--it's crazy seeing it all spelled out that way. The good thing is, I can see my mistakes and hopefully plan a bit better for this year because wow was some of that stressful. AWESOME too. But wowza. I would like to sleep at least a *little* more in 2013. I guess we'll see how it goes. Either way it'll be an adventure. Especially since I have TWO books releasing this year. MEEP!!!!

ALMOST DONE--I PROMISE!!!

Sorry guys--I promise I will try to be back on track next week. New year, new start--all that jazz. Plus, this draft is due like really, really soon. So soon I've set a kinda-feeling-impossible goal to type "the end" by tonight. Not sure if i'm going to make it. But I have to TRY.

So sadly, no MMGM. And I usually do an end of the year post looking back on all I've been through writing wise--and that is coming in a few days, too (I'm sure you're all holding your breath)

But for now I'm about 4 chapters away from DONE (well, done as in the draft is done. It will still be a mess and need lots of revision which I am trying very hard not to think about) so I have to keep working working working.

Hope everyone has an awesome week!

Going Dark

I know, it's supposed to be MMGM--and I've been TRYING to keep up with it. But alas, between being sick, going out of town for the weekend, and the ever impending deadline of doom (and the draft that's kicking my butt instead of cooperating for said deadline) I'm... taking the week off.

SORRY!
If you're wondering about next week I'm... not sure. I'm hoping to catch up this week and be back on track, but right now all I know is that I am BEHIND, so I have to drop everything and focus on getting this book finished.
Related to that--if you are one of the wonderful people who sent me an email or a FB message I promise, I will be reading and replying to those. But probably not until after January 2nd. 
Sorry again--and thanks for bearing with me!

MMGM Links (12/17)

Given everything going on in Connecticut I almost didn't assemble MMGM links this week, feeling like it might be a time to be quiet. But... since this meme is all about celebrating children I just couldn't let it go. So here are the links for the week, and I hope you're all hugging your loved ones and celebrating every minute you get to have together.

-Jessica at Book Sake is back with a feature on LIAR AND SPY. Click HERE for her review. 

 - Laurisa White Reyes is spotlighting CARRY ON, MR. BOWDITCH. Click HERE to learn more about this classic.

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD. Click HERE to see why.  

- Rosi Hollinbeck has a number of books she's featuring to help with your shopping list--with a giveaway of ILLISIONOLOGY! Click HERE for all the fun! 

- Dorine White is feeling the burn for FIRE PROPHET. Click HERE to see why.   

- Mrs. Heise shares her list of the best books she's read in 2012. Click HERE to see which ones she loved.

- Danika Dinsmore also has her list of Best MG Books of 2012. Click HERE to see what they are. 

- Annie McMahon has her list of 10 Influential MG Writers on twitter. Click HERE to see who they are! 

- Clara Bowman-Jahn is interviewing author Stuart Schadt about HENRY ON FIRE--with a giveaway! Click HERE for all the fun.   

 - Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.    

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week. 

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time

MMGM Links (12/10)

I'm SURE it won't surprise you that I have no MMGM again--I *probably* won't be back on track until the new year. But I DO have links for you.

Before we get to that, though, I also keep forgetting to tell you that I will be doing a live chat THIS WEDNESDAY on YABC!!!!

If you click the photo it should take you to the YABC website with all the details. But in case that doesn't work you can also click HERE. 
So if you're around on Wed at 9pm eastern PLEASE come hang out. I will be answering all of your most burning questions--AND THERE WILL BE A GIVEAWAY! Don't miss out!
Okay, on to the links!

-Shelby Bach joins the MMGM fun with a feature on KAT, INCORRIGIBLE. Click HERE to welcome her to the group!  

- Katie from Inkstains Reviewed is also joining in, with a feature on THE CAVENDISH HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. Click HERE to see what she thinks! 

- Danika Dinsmore recalls one of her childhood favorites: MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH. Click HERE to see why she loved it. 

- Barbara Watson is showcasing THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN! Click HERE to see her review.    

- Gina Carey is in love with JAKE & LILY. Click HERE to see why.  

- Clara Bowman-Jahn is interviewing author Stuart Schadt. Click HERE for all the fun.  

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends THE FLYING DRAGON. Click HERE to see why. 

- Susan Olson is feeling IN THE NICK OF TIME. Click HERE to see what she thought. 

- Brennan & Meyrick Murphy are raving about THE MAN WHO WAS POE. Click HERE to see what these two middle grader's thought.    

- Sue Heavenrich is swept away by FAR FROM SHORE: CHRONICLES OF AN OPEN OCEAN VOYAGE. Click HERE for her review. 

- Dorine White is feeling the burn for THE FIRE CHRONICLE. Click HERE to see why. 

- Andrea Mack is gushing about SEE YOU AT HARRY'S. Click HERE to learn why she thinks its worth a read   

- Rosi Hollinbeck ia featuring THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL--with a signed book giveaway! Click HERE for all the fun! 

- Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is feeling inspired by OUT OF MY MIND. Click HERE to see why.

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week. 

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.    

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time

LET THE SKY FALL Winner!!!

Oops--deadline brain Shannon TOTALLY forgot I had a winner to post today. And an extra important one too since uh, they're winning MY BOOK. #Shannonfail

ANYWAY um, without further ado, the winner of the shiny ARC of LET THE SKY FALL is....

Olivia (The Reading Enchantress)
Yay!
*tosses confetti*
If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will have S&S ship off your prize.
For everyone else--thank you SO MUCH for your amazing enthusiasm for LET THE SKY FALL and for posting the widget on your blogs (which you can still get HERE--and remember, it has WIND FX!!) and all around being super awesome. I promise I will have more ARC contests and swag contests in the new year. 
In the meantime, S&S is currently giving away FIVE shiny ARCs over on Goodreads, so if you haven't entered over there--what are you waiting for???? Go HERE. 
Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!!! 

ALL THE THINGS (that... I keep forgetting to tell you about)

Hey--so, remember that time when I fell into the deadline cave and didn't blog or tell you guys about anything important for like a month???

Yeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaah. Oops.

(though hey, I did share the super-awesome widget for LET THE SKY FALL and host an ARC Giveaway. If you missed that, go HERE)

But never fear, I am going to catch you all up today in a chaotic, rapid-fire mass of information overload!!! You. Are. WELCOME!

Okay, so first: I AM OUT OF THE DEADLINE CAVE TODAY!!!

Yes--it's TRUE!!! I probably shouldn't be, because ... well... hitting this one is gonna be tight. But I couldn't pass up an opportunity to visit some amazing kids at an awesome school. And then tonight, I'll be at Barnes & Noble for a book fair. So if you live in the San Diego area--PLEASE COME!

Here's the deets:

When: TONIGHTTime: 6:00pm - 8:00pmWhere: Barnes & Noble Oceanside2615 Vista Way Oceanside, CA 92054760-529-0106
What's awesome about these book fair signings is that they're super casual. You just hang out whenever you want for as long as you want. So if you have any time between 6 and 8, come come come! I'll have swag! And awkward hugs! And we can talk about cats and cupcakes!!!!
(Who doesn't want to be a part of that???)
Also: KEEPER GOT AN AWESOME REVIEW FROM BOOKLIST!!!!!

"A large and varied cast of supporting characters and an intriguing premise contribute to make this an exciting start to a promising series." ~ Booklist Reviews

Yes, there was a lot of squealing and jumping around the house when my editor sent that. Trade reviews are SO SCARY. So YAY BOOKLIST!!!!
ALSO, also: LET THE SKY FALL SOLD TO TAIWAN!!!!!!!
I know--I couldn't believe it either. But here's the official PM listing to prove it:
It's SO crazy knowing my book is going to be in yet another language I can't read. My job is so cool sometimes!!!
ALSO ALSO also: (I told you, I have forgotten to tell you ALL THE THINGS): KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES IS GOING TO BE AN AUDIO BOOK!!!!!
(And dude, I cannot tell you how excited I am to hear my book read by a narrator. Talk about epic!!!)

I don't know when it will be released--the author is always the last to know these things. But the contract is signed and it is HAPPENING. Coming from Audible. I'll post more details as soon as I have them.
ALSO ALSO ALSO also: KEEPER HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A YABC Choice Award--and *I've* been nominated for favorite middle grade author. Now, obviously you don't HAVE to go vote for me. BUT... if you decide to I will pretty much love you forever. Plus everyone knows that when you vote for me or KEEPER a unicorn burps up a magical sparkly cupcake of awesome, and really, who doesn't want that to keep happening???) NO pressure, of course, but if you would like to vote, go HERE.

AND--last but not least--a special offer from me to you. See, last Saturday was Bring Your Kids To The Bookstore Day--and I'd planned a special way to reward people for participating by offering special swag packs to anyone who bought KEEPER. And... then I forgot to post about it. 
I know. Major #Shannonfail. 
Halfway through the day I did finally remember and sprinted to Twitter and FB to get the word out--and a bunch of people did see and take me up on it. BUT, since then I've heard from some who were sorry they missed it.  And that's TOTALLY my bad. SO, I'm doing it again this weekend. (And hey, if you want to start it today, that's fine too.)
If you buy a copy of KEEPER between now and 11:59pm PST on 12/9/12, email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will send you a special swag pack that includes shiny things like signed, personalized book plates and stickers and limited edition art prints. I don't need proof of purchase--I am willing to go on the honor system. And while of course it would be awesome if you supported your local Indie--it doesn't matter to me where you buy it. 
Swag packs will go in the mail early next week--I promise--so you should definitely have them in time for any celebrationish things you need. And of course if you have any questions, ask away in the comments.
Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd... I think that's everything. I mean, my brain is kinda shot these days, so it's possible I'm forgetting something. But that covers all the big stuff. Except to also add a huge THANK YOU to you guys for bearing with me through all my crazy deadlineishness. I promise, I WILL get things back on track soon. Once LET THE SKY FALL 2 quits kicking my butt and keeping me up half the night and otherwise making me very very aware that SEQUELS ARE HARD!!!
Ahem.
And now... back to drafting. Hope to see some of you tonight!!!!