Shannon Messenger's Blog, page 39
October 29, 2012
MMGM Links (10/30)
I just survived the longest travel day EVER (a five hour drive plus a 2 1/2 hour flight followed by a 2 hour layover and then a 3 hour flight and an hour drive home--oh, and I came home to a house full of boxes, because my husband moved us while I was gone). So... definitely not up to arranging an MMGM. But I'm still going to try to assemble the links but warning: my brain is FRIED. If I make a mistake just correct me in the comments.
And here's where you can find the other awesome MMGMs:
- Jessica at Book Sake is caught up in DEAD CITY. Click HERE to see what he thought.
- Michelle Mason is featuring... um... KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES (EEEEE!!!) (*blush*) Click HERE for her review--and a GIVEAWAY!
- Alyson Beecher has an exclusive cover reveal for THE WIG IN THE WINDOW. Click HERE to see the shiny! (and for the ARC giveaway!)
- Laurisa Reyes has an interview with author Kathy Rygg--with a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE for details.
- Andrea Mack is championing THE UNWANTEDS. Click HERE to learn why she thinks its worth a read.
- Heidi Grange is digging STORYBOUND. Click HERE for her review.
- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends GHOSTS OF THE TITANIC. Click HERE to see what he thought.
- Faith Hough is featuring SELLING HOPE with an interview with author Kristin O'Donnell Tubb. Click HERE for all the fun
- Julie DeGuia is highlighting THE SECRET PROPHECY--with an ARC GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details.
- Rosi Hollinbeck is cheering for Henry Frank--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details
- Jennifer Rumberger has A RECIPE FOR TROUBLE 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
October 21, 2012
The YAmazing Race with MGnificent prizes strikes again!!!
YAY--Welcome to my stop on the YAmazing Race with MGnificent prizes, a blog hop featuring over 50 debut authors, and prize packs that include ARCs, gift certificates, swag, and more!
(and I know some of you might be looking for this week's MMGM. You can actually find that by clicking HERE)
The race runs from Monday, October 22 at noon Eastern to Monday October 29 at noon Eastern and the winners will be posted on the Apocalypsies website on Tuesday October 30. If you haven’t yet been to the Apocalypsies website, please click here to read the complete rules.
I'm part of the Silly String team--which means I will be ATTACKING YOU ALL WITH SPARKLY STREAMS OF DOOM--er, um.... no, not really. I would if I could--believe me. But alas, the internetz currently do not allow me to silly string attack through the screen. So you are spared from my sparkly streamers. For now.
ANYWAY, here's a little info about KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES (*hint* read carefully--you'll be quizzed on it later):
KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES by Shannon MessengerTwelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She's a Telepath--someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It's a talent she's never known how to explain.
Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there's a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known.
Sophie has new rules to learn and new skills to master, and not everyone is thrilled that she has come “home.” There are secrets buried deep in Sophie's memory—secrets about who she really is and why she was hidden among humans—that other people desperately want. Would even kill for.
In this page-turning debut, Shannon Messenger creates a riveting story where one girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world, before the wrong person finds the answer first.
Got that? Good! You WILL be quizzed later. (Don't worry, I went out of my way to make the question easy). And if you're so bowled over by the awesomenes of that (or... feeling so loopy from hitting all these tour stops that you are EASILY IMPRESSIONABLE ) I should mention that you can buy a SHINY hardcover of Keeper through Amazon and B&N. Or, you can support an amazing Indie and get a SIGNED Hardcover by ordering through Mrs. Nelsons (though make sure you specify that you want a "Signed Copy" in the notes field). You can also like it on Facebook or add it to your Goodreads list.
Okay... shameless self promotion stuff over. You guys have a race to complete. And remember, you must complete ALL FIVE quizzes to be eligible for a prize pack.
But before you race away to the next stop--wait, there's more! I couldn't have you guys all come here and NOT offer a prize of my own. So I'm personally giving away FIVE exclusive sets of Limited edition KEEPER Art Prints to FIVE lucky commenters. See:
And when I say exclusive--I mean it. These are made from my own drawings and they are hand signed and hand numbered with a limited printing of 1000. And I'll only be giving them out at signings or VERY special occasions, like today. So trust me, you want to win these!
How do you enter? Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, October 27th. I'll draw 5winners and post their names on Sunday, October 28th. International entries welcome!
Thanks for stopping by! Ready to move on?Click HERE to go to the next Silly String-er
MMGM Links!!!
I'm in the middle of a long trip, so I sadly do not have an MMGM for you guys. BUT, I still have all the links. Plus I'm part of the uber exciting YAMazing Race again today, so make sure you also go HERE for all the fun.
And here's where you can find the other awesome MMGMs:
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
And here's where you can find the other awesome MMGMs:
- Melanie Conklin is cheering for LIAR AND SPY. Click HERE for her review.
- Barbara Watson is caught up in BENEATH THE SLASHINGS--with an ARC GIVEAWAY. Click HERE to enter.
- Danika Dinsmore is kicking off her blog tour with a post on THE RUINS OF NOE. Click HERE to read.
- Mrs. Heise is spreading the love for AUDITION AND SUBTRACTION. Click HERE to see why.
- Alex Baugh is dishing on ONE FOR THE MURPHYS. Click HERE to see the review.
- Rosi Hollinbeck is singing praises for A DIAMOND IN THE DESERT--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details
- Andrea Mack is stuck in a RIP TIDE. Click HERE to learn why she thinks its worth a read.
- Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is seeking STOUT HEARTS AND WHIZZING BISCUITS. Click HERE to see why.
- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are stuck on STORMBREAKER. Click HERE to see what these two middle grade readers thought of it.
- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends MY HAUNTED HOUSE. Click HERE to see what he thought.
- Jessica at Book Sake is featuring Koles review of THE SORCERESS. Click HERE to see what he thought.
- Susan Olson is spinning for TWISTER: JOURNAL #3 OF A CARDBOARD GENIUS. Click HERE to see why.
- Faith Hough is featuring KATERINA'S WISH with an interview with author Jeannie Mobley. Click HERE for all the fun
- Michelle Mason is covering SCIENCE FAIR. Click HERE to see why she enjoyed it.
- Natalie Aguirre is interviewing author Shelby Back, with a giveaway of GIANTS AND ICE. Click HERE for more details.
- Akossiwa Ketoglio is featuring LIESL & PO. Click HERE to see why she loved it.
- Dorine White is discovering THE SECRET FORTUNE. Click HERE to see why.
- 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.
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
THREE TIMES LUCKY Winner!!!
Yeah, I know. The winner is late. In my defense, I'm traveling all week so... things may be a bit chaotic around here. I'm pretty proud I remembered at all. :)
Anyway, the winner of THREE TIMES LUCKY, by Sheila Turnage is...
Faith Hough!
Yay!
*flings confetti*
If that's you, please email me at swmessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address. There will be a slight delay on your prize--can't send it until I'm home--but I PROMISE I won't forget. (And uh... remind me if I do) ;)
October 18, 2012
Launch Week Photos!
Wow--has it REALLY been more than 2 weeks since KEEPER released? Where does the time go????
Okay, well, so this post is RIDICULOUSLY overdue but... hey, better late than never, right?
First up--the So Cal Launch Party!!!!
I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the turnout. This is really only about 1/2 the crowd--there were so many people! It was SO HARD not to cry! Especially since there were so many kids. Here's a group shot of just a few of them:
I'd done three school presentations earlier that day--and miraculously some of them came. Plus a bunch of local writer friends brought their kids.
AND an amazing teacher I'd met at the SCIBA events I've done came and brought a bunch of her students--many of whom had already read (and loved) KEEPER. They were pretty much the cutest things ever. Here's one of my favorite pictures, from before the event even started, when they surrounded my table to ask me questions. LOVE.
I tell you, getting to talk to kid readers makes all the stress and deadlines and exhausting travel soooooo worth it. It's hands down the best part of my job!
And I have to take a minute and give a HUGE shout out to the amazing ladies at the B&N where I did the launch. Not only did they run an AMAZING event, but they went so above and beyond! They'd made a special "Lost Cities" cafe menu:
And one had even come in costume, in a cape and gown like the Foxfire Mentors wear (she'd even changed her name tag to say Lady Barbara. I TOTALLY geeked out when I saw it)
(She's the one on the right. And on the left is a peek at the signing line. My hand actually got tired--best problem to have, EVER!) :)
From there I headed to Arizona, where I got to visit three amazing schools and um... scare them all with photos of some of the revision letters my agent sent me to get KEEPER ready to be shopped:
(this is the one I call the "Email of Doom")
And listen to an AWESOME teacher who'd read the entire ARC of KEEPER to his class read my favorite scene (He gave Keefe an Irish accent--it was pretty much the greatest thing EVER. I so want to to make Keefe Irish now!) :)
And... as if all of that weren't enough to put me into awesome overload, I also got to fulfill a longtime dream and do a signing and event at Changing Hands.
Not only is that store a big part of the reason KEEPER exists, BUT, I got to be introduced by Faith (aka: The Book Babe), who I am honored to now call my friend after she has inspired me so many ways
It's a MIRACLE I made it through without crying--and I almost lost it at one point, but found a way to rally though.
I could keep going. I have so many amazing pictures and memories of all the incredible people I met--some of whom I *know* because of this blog or twitter, some of whom I met for the first time. But this post is getting pretty long, so I'll stop for now and end with one more big, sparkly...
[image error]
Glitter Gifs
To everyone who came to these events and supported me and KEEPER. (and to ALL of you who've bought it--or are planning to buy it or thinking about buying it or will tell your friends to buy it or might check it out from the library)
Launching a book is a very humbling and exciting thing, but it doesn't work very well if no one supports it. So THANK YOU SO MUCH. You all truly made launch week a dream come true!
Okay, well, so this post is RIDICULOUSLY overdue but... hey, better late than never, right?
First up--the So Cal Launch Party!!!!
I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the turnout. This is really only about 1/2 the crowd--there were so many people! It was SO HARD not to cry! Especially since there were so many kids. Here's a group shot of just a few of them:
I'd done three school presentations earlier that day--and miraculously some of them came. Plus a bunch of local writer friends brought their kids.
AND an amazing teacher I'd met at the SCIBA events I've done came and brought a bunch of her students--many of whom had already read (and loved) KEEPER. They were pretty much the cutest things ever. Here's one of my favorite pictures, from before the event even started, when they surrounded my table to ask me questions. LOVE.
I tell you, getting to talk to kid readers makes all the stress and deadlines and exhausting travel soooooo worth it. It's hands down the best part of my job!
And I have to take a minute and give a HUGE shout out to the amazing ladies at the B&N where I did the launch. Not only did they run an AMAZING event, but they went so above and beyond! They'd made a special "Lost Cities" cafe menu:
And one had even come in costume, in a cape and gown like the Foxfire Mentors wear (she'd even changed her name tag to say Lady Barbara. I TOTALLY geeked out when I saw it)
(She's the one on the right. And on the left is a peek at the signing line. My hand actually got tired--best problem to have, EVER!) :)From there I headed to Arizona, where I got to visit three amazing schools and um... scare them all with photos of some of the revision letters my agent sent me to get KEEPER ready to be shopped:
(this is the one I call the "Email of Doom")And listen to an AWESOME teacher who'd read the entire ARC of KEEPER to his class read my favorite scene (He gave Keefe an Irish accent--it was pretty much the greatest thing EVER. I so want to to make Keefe Irish now!) :)
And... as if all of that weren't enough to put me into awesome overload, I also got to fulfill a longtime dream and do a signing and event at Changing Hands.
Not only is that store a big part of the reason KEEPER exists, BUT, I got to be introduced by Faith (aka: The Book Babe), who I am honored to now call my friend after she has inspired me so many ways
It's a MIRACLE I made it through without crying--and I almost lost it at one point, but found a way to rally though.
I could keep going. I have so many amazing pictures and memories of all the incredible people I met--some of whom I *know* because of this blog or twitter, some of whom I met for the first time. But this post is getting pretty long, so I'll stop for now and end with one more big, sparkly...
[image error]
Glitter Gifs
To everyone who came to these events and supported me and KEEPER. (and to ALL of you who've bought it--or are planning to buy it or thinking about buying it or will tell your friends to buy it or might check it out from the library)
Launching a book is a very humbling and exciting thing, but it doesn't work very well if no one supports it. So THANK YOU SO MUCH. You all truly made launch week a dream come true!
October 15, 2012
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Three Times Lucky, by Sheila Turnage--Plus a Giveaway!
Recovering from another awesome (but slightly exhausting) trip--to San Francisco this time for the NCIBA trade show--so the always amazing Deb Marshall is covering MMGM for me. (As always, THANK YOU DEB!!!) And she's chosen to feature a book that I've heard MANY good things about: THREE TIMES LUCKY, by Sheila Turnage.
Here's how the publisher describes it:
A hilarious Southern debut with the kind of characters you meet once in a lifetime.
Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a café owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous café hostess. She will protect those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.
Full of wisdom, humor, and grit, this timeless yarn will melt the heart of even the sternest Yankee.
And like always, here's Deb explain for herself why all of us need to read this one. Take it away Deb!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everything the publisher says about this one is so. Especially so on the kind of characters you meet once in a lifetime. Oh my yes on this. The cast surrounding this plucky kid who knows how to spin a tale, is quirky, funny, cranky, crusty and above all else loveable. Add to that the following:strong independent middle grade characters who can go off and do things cool things like open and run a restaurant, time laps at a race tracknot so typical parental figures like the Colonel. The conversations between Mo and him are priceless. Think soldier to commanding office with a good dose of doing anything for you love thrown inmystery surrounding Mo and the Colonel…who are they, where did they come from? Who is Mo’s Upstream Mother, is the woman even alive?a murder mystery involving one of the locals. A murder that rocks the small community and gets you to wondering could one of them be responsible for itMo herself. She’s a kind of Anne of Green Gables, Huckleberry, Tom Sawyer, Scout kind of kid who you just want to be friends with.This book wasn’t on any TBR list of mine. I read it because it is a Cybils Nominee in the Middle Grade (Realistic)Fiction Category. So, yay for the Cybils, I say.
I was curious about what others thought. If you’ve the time, here’s some other reviews, including those from some MMGM folk. Not a bad debut novel (yep, a debut!) from author Sheila Turnage
Barbara Watson
Michelle Mason- Michelle has some great quotes from the book!
Kirkus
School Library Journal
And if you’ve a little more time take a listen to why Elizabeth Bird, in the above review says, “A good first page is worth its weight in gold in a children’s novel.” :
Thanks for having me again, Shannon. Good luck to all those who enter the draw and happy MMGM!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wow, sounds like I definitely need to make time to read this! Thanks so much for the feature, Deb!
In the meantime, I want one of you to have the chance to read it, so I'm giving away a copy to one lucky winner. To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm PST on Saturday October 20th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, October 21st. International entries welcome.
For more awesome middle grade recommendations, check out these other MMGMs floating around the blogosphere.*
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
Here's how the publisher describes it:
A hilarious Southern debut with the kind of characters you meet once in a lifetime.
Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a café owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous café hostess. She will protect those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.
Full of wisdom, humor, and grit, this timeless yarn will melt the heart of even the sternest Yankee.
And like always, here's Deb explain for herself why all of us need to read this one. Take it away Deb!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everything the publisher says about this one is so. Especially so on the kind of characters you meet once in a lifetime. Oh my yes on this. The cast surrounding this plucky kid who knows how to spin a tale, is quirky, funny, cranky, crusty and above all else loveable. Add to that the following:strong independent middle grade characters who can go off and do things cool things like open and run a restaurant, time laps at a race tracknot so typical parental figures like the Colonel. The conversations between Mo and him are priceless. Think soldier to commanding office with a good dose of doing anything for you love thrown inmystery surrounding Mo and the Colonel…who are they, where did they come from? Who is Mo’s Upstream Mother, is the woman even alive?a murder mystery involving one of the locals. A murder that rocks the small community and gets you to wondering could one of them be responsible for itMo herself. She’s a kind of Anne of Green Gables, Huckleberry, Tom Sawyer, Scout kind of kid who you just want to be friends with.This book wasn’t on any TBR list of mine. I read it because it is a Cybils Nominee in the Middle Grade (Realistic)Fiction Category. So, yay for the Cybils, I say.
I was curious about what others thought. If you’ve the time, here’s some other reviews, including those from some MMGM folk. Not a bad debut novel (yep, a debut!) from author Sheila Turnage
Barbara Watson
Michelle Mason- Michelle has some great quotes from the book!
Kirkus
School Library Journal
And if you’ve a little more time take a listen to why Elizabeth Bird, in the above review says, “A good first page is worth its weight in gold in a children’s novel.” :
Thanks for having me again, Shannon. Good luck to all those who enter the draw and happy MMGM!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wow, sounds like I definitely need to make time to read this! Thanks so much for the feature, Deb!
In the meantime, I want one of you to have the chance to read it, so I'm giving away a copy to one lucky winner. To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm PST on Saturday October 20th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, October 21st. International entries welcome.
For more awesome middle grade recommendations, check out these other MMGMs floating around the blogosphere.*
- Laurisa Reyes is interviewing author Craig Everett--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE to enter.
- Michelle Mason is exploring THE ISLAND OF SILENCE. Click HERE to see why she enjoyed it.
- Barbara Watson is swept away with THE UNIVERSE OF FAIR--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE to see her review.
- Julie DeGuia is highlighting FABLEHAVEN. Click HERE to see why.
- Mrs. Heise is sharing a special guest post from author Amy Fellner Dominy. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Dorine White is sweet on EVERTASTER. Click HERE to see why.
- Susan Uhlig is sharing a list of time travel book series for kids. Click HERE to see which ones she highlights.
- Faith Hough is also caught up in THE UNIVERSE OF FAIR. Click HERE to read her thoughts
- Michelle Isenhoff is happily accepting MICHAELA'S GIFT. Click HERE to see her review.
- Andrea Mack is cheering for THE LIONS OF LITTLEROCK. Click HERE to learn why she thinks its worth a read.
- Gabrielle Prendegast has an 8-year-old guest posting for her today, talking about THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends STANFORD WONG FLUNKS BIGTIME. Click HERE to see what he thought.
- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are soaking up the delicious darkness of CORALINE. Click HERE to see what these two middle grade readers thought of it
- Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is soaring for A SMIDGEON OF SKY. Click HERE to see why.
- Rosi Hollinbeck is cheering for THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY. Click HERE for more info.
- 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.
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
October 10, 2012
My Cover's ALIVE!!! (AKA: The KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES BOOK TRAILER!)
I promise, I WILL have a full launch week update for you guys. I'm just still trying to track down pictures and organize my thoughts and, yanno, get my brain working again.
But in the meantime I have something AWESOME to share:
THE KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES TRAILER!!!!!
*jumps around*
*flails*
There's EPIC MUSIC!
And BLOWING HAIR!
(we all know how I feel about wind)
And a COOL FLASHY LIGHT THING!!!!
Are.
You.
Ready?!?!?!
You weren't ready, were you?
My work here is done.
*scrolls up to watch again*
OH--and if you missed it yesterday, I'm giving away a BUNCH of shiny signed + personalized bookplates. If you'd like to enter to win one make sure you go HERE.
But in the meantime I have something AWESOME to share:
THE KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES TRAILER!!!!!
*jumps around*
*flails*
There's EPIC MUSIC!
And BLOWING HAIR!
(we all know how I feel about wind)
And a COOL FLASHY LIGHT THING!!!!
Are.
You.
Ready?!?!?!
You weren't ready, were you?
My work here is done.
*scrolls up to watch again*
OH--and if you missed it yesterday, I'm giving away a BUNCH of shiny signed + personalized bookplates. If you'd like to enter to win one make sure you go HERE.
October 9, 2012
A Keepsake for your KEEPER! (and yes, there's a giveaway!)
Now that my launch parties/pre-order campaigns are over, I've been getting emails from some of you wondering if there's still a way to get your hands on signed copies of KEEPER. And the good news is, there is!
Mrs. Nelsons Toys and Books, one of my favorite Indie Bookstores, had me sign a BUNCH of books when I stopped by last week, and you can order them online by clicking HERE. (Just make sure you specify that you want a SIGNED COPY in the notes. I'm pretty sure I've signed every copy in their store, but just in case, it's good to be clear.)
BUT, I also know that some of you lovely souls already bought my book from your favorite place. Or maybe you haven't yet, but you're going to! Either way, I know some of you might wish there were a way to have that copy signed.
Sadly, I can't teleport to you to personally sign it. But I actually have something better, since you get my signature AND I keep my shenanigans safely in California: SHINY SIGNED BOOKPLATES--which I can personalize and everything!!!!
Aren't they pretty? (and this picture really doesn't do them justice)
And of course I'm giving some away!!!
I haven't decided how many, since it depends on how many people enter. But I will try to pick as many as I can. And because I want to make this as easy as possible for you, I've created a handy dandy form. That way if you win I'll already have your address and can ship it off straight away without the additional: waiting-for-you-to-email-me-your-address step. I'm also not going to require that you send me a receipt or any sort of proof of purchase or anything, since I can't really imagine why you'd want a signed KEEPER bookplate if you have no copy of KEEPER to put it in. So I think we can just go on the honor system here.
To enter, fill out the form below by 11:59 pm pacific on Sunday, October 14th. I'll choose as many winners as I can and send off their bookplates the following week. International entries welcome!
And thank you guys so much for all the love and support for KEEPER. I can't tell me how much it means to know you're reading something I wrote. I just... I can't even... *sniff*
Also, I promise I will have launch party pictures and updates as soon as I get my act together!!
Okay, here's the form. Don't forget to fill it out!
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Mrs. Nelsons Toys and Books, one of my favorite Indie Bookstores, had me sign a BUNCH of books when I stopped by last week, and you can order them online by clicking HERE. (Just make sure you specify that you want a SIGNED COPY in the notes. I'm pretty sure I've signed every copy in their store, but just in case, it's good to be clear.)
BUT, I also know that some of you lovely souls already bought my book from your favorite place. Or maybe you haven't yet, but you're going to! Either way, I know some of you might wish there were a way to have that copy signed.
Sadly, I can't teleport to you to personally sign it. But I actually have something better, since you get my signature AND I keep my shenanigans safely in California: SHINY SIGNED BOOKPLATES--which I can personalize and everything!!!!
Aren't they pretty? (and this picture really doesn't do them justice)
And of course I'm giving some away!!!
I haven't decided how many, since it depends on how many people enter. But I will try to pick as many as I can. And because I want to make this as easy as possible for you, I've created a handy dandy form. That way if you win I'll already have your address and can ship it off straight away without the additional: waiting-for-you-to-email-me-your-address step. I'm also not going to require that you send me a receipt or any sort of proof of purchase or anything, since I can't really imagine why you'd want a signed KEEPER bookplate if you have no copy of KEEPER to put it in. So I think we can just go on the honor system here.
To enter, fill out the form below by 11:59 pm pacific on Sunday, October 14th. I'll choose as many winners as I can and send off their bookplates the following week. International entries welcome!
And thank you guys so much for all the love and support for KEEPER. I can't tell me how much it means to know you're reading something I wrote. I just... I can't even... *sniff*
Also, I promise I will have launch party pictures and updates as soon as I get my act together!!
Okay, here's the form. Don't forget to fill it out!
Loading...
October 8, 2012
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Links, links and more links!
I have SO MUCH to tell you guys about KEEPER's release week, but I just survived two launch parties and seven school presentations and my brain is BARELY functioning. So I definitely do not have an MMGM for you guys.
But I have tried to assemble the MMGM links. Hopefully my tired brain got them right. If not, Sorry!
- Joanne Fritz is part of Random Acts of Reading's Book Blogger panel. Click HERE to see her discuss 2 modern classics of children's lit.
- Michelle Mason is caught up in THE PARADISE TRAP. Click HERE to read her review.
- Barbara Watson is highlighting KEEPING SAFE THE STARS--with an ARC giveaway! Click HERE to enter.
- Laurisa Reyes is interviewing author Lisa McMann--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE to enter.
- Dorine White is loving THE GOLDEN DOOR. Click HERE to see what she thinks.
- Susan Olson is raving about THE ORPHAN OF ELLIS ISLAND. Click HERE for her review.
- Michelle Isenhoff is spreading the love for WINTERLING. Click HERE to see why.
- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends PIE. Click HERE to see what he thought.
- Jasmine is cheering for BABYMOUSE #1: QUEEN OF THE WORLD. Click HERE to see why.
- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are reviewing A GLASS GRIMMLY, with a special interview with the author. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Heidi Grange is spotlighting ABOVE AVERAGE. Click HERE for her review.
- Susan Uhlig has two features for us. ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL is featured HERE. And THE HOP is featured HERE.
- Danika Dinsmore is gushing about BREADCRUMBS. Click HERE to see what she thought.
- Julie DeGuia is highlighting THE FLYING DRAGON, with an author interview. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is singing the praises for HOW TO STEAL A DOG. Click HERE to see what he thought.
- 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.
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
October 2, 2012
It's HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've had more than a year to plan this post and find some meaningful, articulate way to express how it feels to watch my very first book launch into the world. But... I'm not sure the words exist. Either that or my brain is just far too loopy from all the craziness surrounding release.
Seriously though, it's a bizarre mix of emotions.
There's THE HAPPY that comes with seeing my book on store shelves, surrounded by so many other amazing books that I love and admire. There's THE HOPE that it will find its way into readers hands and hearts. And of course there's THE FEAR, which I am trying not to focus on.
But I think more than anything, there's THE GRATITUDE.
Not only does this book exist because of the help and guidance of MANY people (the KEEPER acknowledgements section is epic length!). But it also wouldn't exist without all of you. This blog was where the whole "trying to get published" thing became real. In fact, you guys were some of the first people who knew I'd gone back to writing. I met my Crit Partners here. And all of you have cheered me on through all the crazy ups and downs of this journey and kept me going.
I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you've done (and will do) to support me and my writing. So I will give you the only thing I can. KEEPER isn't *mine* anymore. From today on it's yours . And I really, REALLY hope you enjoy!
(and uh.... feel free to NOT tell me if you don't) :)
THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYONE!!!!
Since I can't hug all of you, I will hug the only thing I can!
Oh, and if you would like to read the first three chapters of KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES, you can do so HERE. There's also still time to pre-order the signed copies with the special swag and help support Kids Need to read by going HERE. And if you live in SoCal I hope I will be at the Oceanside B&N at 6:30 tonight for the Launch Party. There will be prizes and cupcakes and rambling--and I will probably get a bit emotional. Hope to see you there!
Seriously though, it's a bizarre mix of emotions.
There's THE HAPPY that comes with seeing my book on store shelves, surrounded by so many other amazing books that I love and admire. There's THE HOPE that it will find its way into readers hands and hearts. And of course there's THE FEAR, which I am trying not to focus on.
But I think more than anything, there's THE GRATITUDE.
Not only does this book exist because of the help and guidance of MANY people (the KEEPER acknowledgements section is epic length!). But it also wouldn't exist without all of you. This blog was where the whole "trying to get published" thing became real. In fact, you guys were some of the first people who knew I'd gone back to writing. I met my Crit Partners here. And all of you have cheered me on through all the crazy ups and downs of this journey and kept me going.
I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you've done (and will do) to support me and my writing. So I will give you the only thing I can. KEEPER isn't *mine* anymore. From today on it's yours . And I really, REALLY hope you enjoy!
(and uh.... feel free to NOT tell me if you don't) :)
THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYONE!!!!
Since I can't hug all of you, I will hug the only thing I can!
Oh, and if you would like to read the first three chapters of KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES, you can do so HERE. There's also still time to pre-order the signed copies with the special swag and help support Kids Need to read by going HERE. And if you live in SoCal I hope I will be at the Oceanside B&N at 6:30 tonight for the Launch Party. There will be prizes and cupcakes and rambling--and I will probably get a bit emotional. Hope to see you there!
