Shannon Messenger's Blog, page 47
May 14, 2012
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Seeing Cinderella, by Jenny Lundquist
**NOTE: THIS POST IS A RE-POST**
Somehow blogger has deleted the original from my feed so I'm reposting it now and I will try to go back and re-enter in the comments. The contest included in this post has already been closed and is not accepting new entries!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now that book 2 is my editor's problem (hee) I finally had time to read this weekend (such a happy thing!). Which means I actually have an MMGM for you guys--for a book that's been at the top of my TBR pile since it arrived: SEEING CINDERELLA, by Jenny Lundquist.
Here's how the publisher describes it:
Magical realism and a modern Cinderella story makes for a fun and relatable M!X read.
Sixth grade is not going well for Calliope Meadow Anderson. Callie’s hair is frizzy, her best friend, Ellen, is acting weird, and to top things off, she has to get glasses. And her new specs aren’t even cute, trendy glasses—more like hideously large and geeky. But Callie soon discovers that her glasses have a special, magical perk: When she wears them, she can read people’s thoughts. Crazy glasses aside, Callie has more drama to face when she’s cast as the lead in the school play—and instead opts to be an understudy, giving the role of Cinderella to Ellen. Can Callie’s magic glasses help her see her way to leading lady, or is she destined to stay in the background forever?
I'll confess, a big part of the reason I was so excited to read this book is because I'm a huge Cinderella fan. (HUGE) So any time I see anyone playing with that story I want to see what they're doing with it. BUT, that also means I've seen it all--and am very picky about what I think works and what I think doesn't--so the fact that I enjoyed this story really says a lot.
It's definitely more of a younger middle grade read (think IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES) but I still think anyone will love it. I know I did. And what I loved best is how it touches on challenges that are SO real for that difficult middle school time period. Thanks to her nerdy glasses Calliope is able to see what the kids in school are thinking, and it's a very eye opening experience. She realizes not only how they perceive her--which isn't the way she thought they did--but who her real friends are, which at that age is such a perfect issue to explore.
Callie's voice was both sweet and real and I was both rooting for her to figure things out and aching for her when the things I knew were going to happen, happened. The story is funny, fast paced, and a great pick for anyone who loves fairytales OR contemporary stories, since it's a little bit of both. So of course I highly recommend it to all of you.
Which is why I'm also giving away a copy to one lucky winner.
To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, May 19th. I'll draw one random winner and post their names on Sunday, May 20th. 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.
Somehow blogger has deleted the original from my feed so I'm reposting it now and I will try to go back and re-enter in the comments. The contest included in this post has already been closed and is not accepting new entries!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now that book 2 is my editor's problem (hee) I finally had time to read this weekend (such a happy thing!). Which means I actually have an MMGM for you guys--for a book that's been at the top of my TBR pile since it arrived: SEEING CINDERELLA, by Jenny Lundquist.
Here's how the publisher describes it:
Magical realism and a modern Cinderella story makes for a fun and relatable M!X read.
Sixth grade is not going well for Calliope Meadow Anderson. Callie’s hair is frizzy, her best friend, Ellen, is acting weird, and to top things off, she has to get glasses. And her new specs aren’t even cute, trendy glasses—more like hideously large and geeky. But Callie soon discovers that her glasses have a special, magical perk: When she wears them, she can read people’s thoughts. Crazy glasses aside, Callie has more drama to face when she’s cast as the lead in the school play—and instead opts to be an understudy, giving the role of Cinderella to Ellen. Can Callie’s magic glasses help her see her way to leading lady, or is she destined to stay in the background forever?
I'll confess, a big part of the reason I was so excited to read this book is because I'm a huge Cinderella fan. (HUGE) So any time I see anyone playing with that story I want to see what they're doing with it. BUT, that also means I've seen it all--and am very picky about what I think works and what I think doesn't--so the fact that I enjoyed this story really says a lot.
It's definitely more of a younger middle grade read (think IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES) but I still think anyone will love it. I know I did. And what I loved best is how it touches on challenges that are SO real for that difficult middle school time period. Thanks to her nerdy glasses Calliope is able to see what the kids in school are thinking, and it's a very eye opening experience. She realizes not only how they perceive her--which isn't the way she thought they did--but who her real friends are, which at that age is such a perfect issue to explore.
Callie's voice was both sweet and real and I was both rooting for her to figure things out and aching for her when the things I knew were going to happen, happened. The story is funny, fast paced, and a great pick for anyone who loves fairytales OR contemporary stories, since it's a little bit of both. So of course I highly recommend it to all of you.
Which is why I'm also giving away a copy to one lucky winner.
To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, May 19th. I'll draw one random winner and post their names on Sunday, May 20th. International entries welcome.
For more awesome middle grade recommendations, check out these other MMGMs floating around the blogosphere.*
- The Mundie Moms are now part of the MMGM fun (eee!). 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!
- Author Claire Legrand joins the MMGM fun with an awesome new series called Middle Grade Memories. Click HERE to see author Marissa Burt discuss a book she loved growing up--with a GIVEAWAY!
- Barbara Watson is teaching us HOW TO STEAL A DOG--with a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE for all the details.
- Joanne Fritz is raving about THE FALSE PRINCE. Click HERE to see why.
- Michelle Isenhoff is raving about one of her childhood favorites: THE CASTLE OF LLYR. Click HERE to learn why she loves it!
- Tricia Conway is back to gush about BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. Click HERE to read her review.
- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are cheering for MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Laurisa Reyes has an interview with author AMY DYCKMAN--plus a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE for details
- Danica Dinsmore is discussing Summer Reading Lists. Click HERE to learn more about them.
- Rosi Hollinbeck is back with two features this week: THE SECRET TREE and THE BELL BANDIT--with a GIVEAWAYS of both! Click HERE for all the details
- Chelanne Green is celebrating WALK TWO MOONS. Click HERE to see why.
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.
May 13, 2012
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Seeing Cinderella, by Jenny Lundquist--and a giveaway!
Now that book 2 is my editor's problem (hee) I finally had time to read this weekend (such a happy thing!). Which means I actually have an MMGM for you guys--for a book that's been at the top of my TBR pile since it arrived: SEEING CINDERELLA, by Jenny Lundquist.
Here's how the publisher describes it:
Magical realism and a modern Cinderella story makes for a fun and relatable M!X read.
Sixth grade is not going well for Calliope Meadow Anderson. Callie’s hair is frizzy, her best friend, Ellen, is acting weird, and to top things off, she has to get glasses. And her new specs aren’t even cute, trendy glasses—more like hideously large and geeky. But Callie soon discovers that her glasses have a special, magical perk: When she wears them, she can read people’s thoughts. Crazy glasses aside, Callie has more drama to face when she’s cast as the lead in the school play—and instead opts to be an understudy, giving the role of Cinderella to Ellen. Can Callie’s magic glasses help her see her way to leading lady, or is she destined to stay in the background forever?
I'll confess, a big part of the reason I was so excited to read this book is because I'm a huge Cinderella fan. (HUGE) So any time I see anyone playing with that story I want to see what they're doing with it. BUT, that also means I've seen it all--and am very picky about what I think works and what I think doesn't--so the fact that I enjoyed this story really says a lot.
It's definitely more of a younger middle grade read (think IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES) but I still think anyone will love it. I know I did. And what I loved best is how it touches on challenges that are SO real for that difficult middle school time period. Thanks to her nerdy glasses Calliope is able to see what the kids in school are thinking, and it's a very eye opening experience. She realizes not only how they perceive her--which isn't the way she thought they did--but who her real friends are, which at that age is such a perfect issue to explore.
Callie's voice was both sweet and real and I was both rooting for her to figure things out and aching for her when the things I knew were going to happen, happened. The story is funny, fast paced, and a great pick for anyone who loves fairytales OR contemporary stories, since it's a little bit of both. So of course I highly recommend it to all of you.
Which is why I'm also giving away a copy to one lucky winner.
To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, May 19th. I'll draw one random winner and post their names on Sunday, May 20th. 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:
Magical realism and a modern Cinderella story makes for a fun and relatable M!X read.
Sixth grade is not going well for Calliope Meadow Anderson. Callie’s hair is frizzy, her best friend, Ellen, is acting weird, and to top things off, she has to get glasses. And her new specs aren’t even cute, trendy glasses—more like hideously large and geeky. But Callie soon discovers that her glasses have a special, magical perk: When she wears them, she can read people’s thoughts. Crazy glasses aside, Callie has more drama to face when she’s cast as the lead in the school play—and instead opts to be an understudy, giving the role of Cinderella to Ellen. Can Callie’s magic glasses help her see her way to leading lady, or is she destined to stay in the background forever?
I'll confess, a big part of the reason I was so excited to read this book is because I'm a huge Cinderella fan. (HUGE) So any time I see anyone playing with that story I want to see what they're doing with it. BUT, that also means I've seen it all--and am very picky about what I think works and what I think doesn't--so the fact that I enjoyed this story really says a lot.
It's definitely more of a younger middle grade read (think IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES) but I still think anyone will love it. I know I did. And what I loved best is how it touches on challenges that are SO real for that difficult middle school time period. Thanks to her nerdy glasses Calliope is able to see what the kids in school are thinking, and it's a very eye opening experience. She realizes not only how they perceive her--which isn't the way she thought they did--but who her real friends are, which at that age is such a perfect issue to explore.
Callie's voice was both sweet and real and I was both rooting for her to figure things out and aching for her when the things I knew were going to happen, happened. The story is funny, fast paced, and a great pick for anyone who loves fairytales OR contemporary stories, since it's a little bit of both. So of course I highly recommend it to all of you.
Which is why I'm also giving away a copy to one lucky winner.
To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, May 19th. I'll draw one random winner and post their names on Sunday, May 20th. International entries welcome.
For more awesome middle grade recommendations, check out these other MMGMs floating around the blogosphere.*
- The Mundie Moms are now part of the MMGM fun (eee!). 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!
- Author Claire Legrand joins the MMGM fun with an awesome new series called Middle Grade Memories. Click HERE to see author Marissa Burt discuss a book she loved growing up--with a GIVEAWAY!
- Barbara Watson is teaching us HOW TO STEAL A DOG--with a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE for all the details.
- Joanne Fritz is raving about THE FALSE PRINCE. Click HERE to see why.
- Michelle Isenhoff is raving about one of her childhood favorites: THE CASTLE OF LLYR. Click HERE to learn why she loves it!
- Tricia Conway is back to gush about BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. Click HERE to read her review.
- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are cheering for MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Laurisa Reyes has an interview with author AMY DYCKMAN--plus a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE for details
- Danica Dinsmore is discussing Summer Reading Lists. Click HERE to learn more about them.
- Rosi Hollinbeck is back with two features this week: THE SECRET TREE and THE BELL BANDIT--with a GIVEAWAYS of both! Click HERE for all the details
- Chelanne Green is celebrating WALK TWO MOONS. Click HERE to see why.
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.
May 8, 2012
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU GUYS YOU GUYS YOU GUYS!!!!!
In case you missed all my FB/Twitter celebrating, as of about noon yesterday Book 2 is now officially my editor's inbox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes--happy dancing was done. Along with a few happy tears. It was a long, long, longlonglong road getting here, with so many twists and turns and ups and downs--plus some seriously INSANE hours. And the work has really only just begun since I have a feeling my editorial letter is going to be... intense.
BUT I DID IT!!!
Huge impossible-feeling hurdle crossed!!!!!!
And I'd planned to write a much more meaningful post on some of the challenges/things I've learned but...
So... I'm giving my brain a chance to recover. Catch up on a few things. MAYBE even take a Shannon day or two. And THEN I will put together a proper post for you guys.
In the meantime, I hope everyone is having a lovely, wonderful week!
In case you missed all my FB/Twitter celebrating, as of about noon yesterday Book 2 is now officially my editor's inbox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes--happy dancing was done. Along with a few happy tears. It was a long, long, longlonglong road getting here, with so many twists and turns and ups and downs--plus some seriously INSANE hours. And the work has really only just begun since I have a feeling my editorial letter is going to be... intense.
BUT I DID IT!!!
Huge impossible-feeling hurdle crossed!!!!!!
And I'd planned to write a much more meaningful post on some of the challenges/things I've learned but...
So... I'm giving my brain a chance to recover. Catch up on a few things. MAYBE even take a Shannon day or two. And THEN I will put together a proper post for you guys.
In the meantime, I hope everyone is having a lovely, wonderful week!
May 7, 2012
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday Linktasticness
Well, my MMGM streak has officially come to an end. Book 2 is due tomorrow--TOMORROW--so I'm in that sprint to the finish line to have it ready and did not have time to read (or eat sleep or breathe this week). But here's hoping that will mean I'll be back on ttrack soon. And in the meantime, I did still take the time to put together the links*:
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. (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.
- The Mundie Moms are now part of the MMGM fun (eee!). 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!
- Joanne Fritz is remarking on REMARKABLE. Click HERE to see her review.
- Michelle Isenhoff is showcasing ELIGERE. Click HERE to learn more about it.
- Laurisa Reyes has an AWESOME Childrens Book Giveaway Hop! Click HERE for all the details.
- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are in love with Emily Winfield Martin's Oddfellow's Orphanage book. Click HERE to see why they enjoyed it.
- Andrea Mack is cheering for THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. Click HERE to learn why.
- Gina Carey is swept away by THE GIRL WHO COULD FLY. Click HERE to see why she thinks you'll be caught up too.
- Jennifer Rumberger is sharing her thoughts on THE LEMONADE CRIME. Click HERE to see what they are.
- Susan Olson is sharing two favorites, HONUS AND ME and THE BASEBALL CARD KID. Click HERE to learn more about them.
- Kim Aippersbach is celebrating BRIGITTA OF THE WHITE FOREST. Click HERE to see what she thinks.
- Danica Dinsmore is gushing about THE SECRET LIFE OF MS FINKLEMAN. Click HERE to see why.
- Dorine White is caught up in CHAINED. Click HERE to see what she loved.
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. (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.
May 6, 2012
WHOOPS--the winners!
Sorry guys, been so caught up in my ALL-DAY-REVISE-TILL-I-DROP (or reach "the end") marathon that I totally forgot I had winners to post.
So... sorry these are late, but...
The winner of the signed James Riley books (HALF UPON A TIME and TWICE UPON A TIME) is...
ERICA!
YAY!
*tosses confetti*
AND--the three winners who get exclusive KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES swag packs are...
stephgroot
Jasmine Rose
Carina Olsen
YAY!
*tosses sparkles**blows noisemaker*
(and on a personal note, gotta say, reading all those awesome comments on that post with all the KEEPER love seriously got me misty eyed. I wish I could give swag to all of you--but I PROMISE I have lots more awesome giveaways to come over the next few months!)
Okay, so if that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address so I can send off your prize. And it would be a HUGE help if you could put WINNER in the subject line and tell me what prize you won in the email. I will try to get everything shipped off next week--as soon as I get book 2 turned into my editor (and maybe recover from these marathon hours)
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
So... sorry these are late, but...
The winner of the signed James Riley books (HALF UPON A TIME and TWICE UPON A TIME) is...
ERICA!
YAY!
*tosses confetti*
AND--the three winners who get exclusive KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES swag packs are...
stephgroot
Jasmine Rose
Carina Olsen
YAY!
*tosses sparkles**blows noisemaker*
(and on a personal note, gotta say, reading all those awesome comments on that post with all the KEEPER love seriously got me misty eyed. I wish I could give swag to all of you--but I PROMISE I have lots more awesome giveaways to come over the next few months!)
Okay, so if that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address so I can send off your prize. And it would be a HUGE help if you could put WINNER in the subject line and tell me what prize you won in the email. I will try to get everything shipped off next week--as soon as I get book 2 turned into my editor (and maybe recover from these marathon hours)
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
May 1, 2012
The YAmazing Race with MGnificent Prizes!!!
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!
The race runs from Wednesday, May 2 at noon Eastern to Tuesday, May 8 at noon Eastern and the winners will be posted on the Apocalypsies website on Wednesday May 9th. If you haven’t yet been to the Apocalypsies website, please click here to read the complete rules.
I'm part of the Killer Penguins team--and even though I'm not sure if that matters to you guys, I CAN'T resist posting a mascot photo:
Phew--I feel better now. Okay, on to the race!
Here's a little info about my 2012 debut (*hint* read carefully--you'll be quizzed on it later)
~>*<~
KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES by Shannon Messenger Twelve-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. Coming October 2, 2012 from Simon and Schuster (Aladdin).~>*<~
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 DAZED AND IMPRESSIONABLE ) I should mention that you can pre-order Keeper through Amazon, B&N, and Indiebound. 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 three exclusive KEEPER swag packs to three lucky commenters. See:
And when I say exclusive--I mean it. This is swag I'll only be giving out at signings or VERY special occasions, and three of you will be the first to get your hands on it!
How do you enter? Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, May 5th. I'll draw 3 winners and post their names on Sunday, May 6th.
Thanks for stopping by! Ready to move on?
Click HERE to go to the next Killer Penguin! RAWR!
April 30, 2012
On finishing...
For those of you who didn't see all my squealing and celebrating on Facebook and Twitter yesterday, I finally typed my two favorite words in Keeper book 2:
The end.(Yes, I totally cried. Picture the end of Romancing the Stone)
Finishing a book is always an emotional experience--for me at least. This is my third time getting to that point, and once again I had that same sense of: I CAN'T BELIEVE I ACTUALLY DID THIS!!!! But this time was especially overwhelming.
Maybe it's because I had to push so hard to get there this time--cranking through a marathon writing weekend (almost 20,000 words in 3 days) and finally finishing after pulling an all-nighter.
Maybe it's because this is my first time writing a draft under contract--and my first sequel--and there was a whole other set of worries and stresses and complications that came with that.
Mostly, I think it's because this book kicked my butt. I know I've said that before, but I don't know if you guys really realize how much this story has broken my brain. It was a serious, serious struggle to get here and there were several times along the way where I worried it wouldn't happen.
So to get to this point and realize that I CAN do this--even when I have to work such long hours, under the extra pressure of a contract and a sequel, with a plot that refused to go the way I thought it needed to go and wouldn't cooperate until I surrendered--is an incredible, incredible thing.
It's NOT perfect. (oh, if you only knew how much work I still have ahead of me before I turn it into my editor next week.) But I did it.
I crossed that first and most important hurdle, and now it's all about polishing and refining (and fine, filling in the spots that say, "scene needed here"). And now that the bones are in place, *hopefully* the rest will go smoother. I guess we'll see as the week progresses.
In the meantime I happily say: take that, Book 2. I have officially ended you! *fist pump*
The end.(Yes, I totally cried. Picture the end of Romancing the Stone)
Finishing a book is always an emotional experience--for me at least. This is my third time getting to that point, and once again I had that same sense of: I CAN'T BELIEVE I ACTUALLY DID THIS!!!! But this time was especially overwhelming.
Maybe it's because I had to push so hard to get there this time--cranking through a marathon writing weekend (almost 20,000 words in 3 days) and finally finishing after pulling an all-nighter.
Maybe it's because this is my first time writing a draft under contract--and my first sequel--and there was a whole other set of worries and stresses and complications that came with that.
Mostly, I think it's because this book kicked my butt. I know I've said that before, but I don't know if you guys really realize how much this story has broken my brain. It was a serious, serious struggle to get here and there were several times along the way where I worried it wouldn't happen.
So to get to this point and realize that I CAN do this--even when I have to work such long hours, under the extra pressure of a contract and a sequel, with a plot that refused to go the way I thought it needed to go and wouldn't cooperate until I surrendered--is an incredible, incredible thing.
It's NOT perfect. (oh, if you only knew how much work I still have ahead of me before I turn it into my editor next week.) But I did it.
I crossed that first and most important hurdle, and now it's all about polishing and refining (and fine, filling in the spots that say, "scene needed here"). And now that the bones are in place, *hopefully* the rest will go smoother. I guess we'll see as the week progresses.
In the meantime I happily say: take that, Book 2. I have officially ended you! *fist pump*
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Twice Upon A Time, by James Riley--and a GIVEAWAY!
Don't go into shock--but I actually have another MMGM for you guys this week!!!!
It's for a book I've actually been waiting to feature for a while now because I wanted to champion it closer to release. Only problem was... I kinda wrote the release date down wrong, so uh... it came out last week. BUT THAT'S ACTUALLY A GOOD THING BECAUSE I HAVE AN EVEN BETTER PRIZE FOR YOU NOW!!!
But we'll get to that in a second. First I need to gush about the awesomeness of TWICE UPON A TIME, by James Riley:
Here's how the publisher describes it:
Pirates and mermaids face off in this fractured-fairy tale sequel to Half Upon a Time!
Jack and May are back for another adventure in the world of fairy tales with a twist. Now that they know about May’s grandmother’s real intentions, they’re on the hunt to learn May’s true identity. The search for answers leads Jack and May to the world of the Sea King, where they land right in the center of a battle between mermaids and the Pirate Bluebeard. The laughter and action are as nonstop as ever in this next book from new author James Riley!
So, like the description says, this book is a sequel to the hilariously awesome HALF UPON A TIME (which I have gushed about HERE). And since that book kinda ends on a ginormous cliffhanger, I was pretty darn desperate to get my hands on an early copy. Especially when I saw the cover--I mean, do you get more win than that?
Anyway, I of course ran straight to my email and did my usual begging and pleading and promising of first born children (pretty sure I owe kids to about 20 people at this point) and S&S was awesome enough to send me an ARC--which I may or may not have squealed over when it arrived. And of course I started reading right away.
See, in my opinion there's a right way and a wrong way to fracture fairy-tales, and James Riley is all kinds of right. Not to mention hilarious. No really, it's laugh out loud funny--and not the polite chuckle kind of laughs. Deep, snorty belly laughs (yeah... I don't read his books in public for that very reason).
I wish I could tell you more about it, but the hard part about featuring sequels is not spoiling book 1 for those who haven't read. So I'm just going to say: read it. Trust me. It's on sale now--get thee to the book store!
Or... try to win a copy here. Remember how I promised an awesome prize at the beginning? I was not exaggerating! I'm giving away not just a SIGNED hardcover of TWICE UPON A TIME--but a SIGNED paperback of HALF UPON A TIME. Two amazing signed books for one lucky winner. You KNOW you want it to be you!
To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, May 5th. I'll draw one random winner and post their names on Sunday, May 6th. International entries welcome.
And 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.
It's for a book I've actually been waiting to feature for a while now because I wanted to champion it closer to release. Only problem was... I kinda wrote the release date down wrong, so uh... it came out last week. BUT THAT'S ACTUALLY A GOOD THING BECAUSE I HAVE AN EVEN BETTER PRIZE FOR YOU NOW!!!
But we'll get to that in a second. First I need to gush about the awesomeness of TWICE UPON A TIME, by James Riley:
Here's how the publisher describes it:
Pirates and mermaids face off in this fractured-fairy tale sequel to Half Upon a Time!
Jack and May are back for another adventure in the world of fairy tales with a twist. Now that they know about May’s grandmother’s real intentions, they’re on the hunt to learn May’s true identity. The search for answers leads Jack and May to the world of the Sea King, where they land right in the center of a battle between mermaids and the Pirate Bluebeard. The laughter and action are as nonstop as ever in this next book from new author James Riley!
So, like the description says, this book is a sequel to the hilariously awesome HALF UPON A TIME (which I have gushed about HERE). And since that book kinda ends on a ginormous cliffhanger, I was pretty darn desperate to get my hands on an early copy. Especially when I saw the cover--I mean, do you get more win than that?
Anyway, I of course ran straight to my email and did my usual begging and pleading and promising of first born children (pretty sure I owe kids to about 20 people at this point) and S&S was awesome enough to send me an ARC--which I may or may not have squealed over when it arrived. And of course I started reading right away.
See, in my opinion there's a right way and a wrong way to fracture fairy-tales, and James Riley is all kinds of right. Not to mention hilarious. No really, it's laugh out loud funny--and not the polite chuckle kind of laughs. Deep, snorty belly laughs (yeah... I don't read his books in public for that very reason).
I wish I could tell you more about it, but the hard part about featuring sequels is not spoiling book 1 for those who haven't read. So I'm just going to say: read it. Trust me. It's on sale now--get thee to the book store!
Or... try to win a copy here. Remember how I promised an awesome prize at the beginning? I was not exaggerating! I'm giving away not just a SIGNED hardcover of TWICE UPON A TIME--but a SIGNED paperback of HALF UPON A TIME. Two amazing signed books for one lucky winner. You KNOW you want it to be you!
To enter, make sure you leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, May 5th. I'll draw one random winner and post their names on Sunday, May 6th. International entries welcome.
And for more awesome middle grade recommendations, check out these other MMGMs floating around the blogosphere.*
- The Mundie Moms are now part of the MMGM fun (eee!). 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!
- Gina Carey is wondering at WONDER. Click HERE to see why she thinks you'll be moved too.
- Joanne Fritz has an exclusive interview with author Jerry Spinelli--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE to read more.
- Barbara Watson is highlighting GLORY BE, with an author interview--and a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE for all the details.
- Michelle Isenhoff is raving about one of her childhood favorites: THE BLACK STALLION. Click HERE to learn why she still loves this classic!
- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are marveling at PERFECTLY PERILOUS MATH--with an interview. Click HERE for all the fun.
- Gabrielle Prendergast is gushing about OUT ON A LIMB. Click HERE to see why she loved it.
- Andrea Mack is cheering for a slightly younger middle grade, CINDERELLA (AS IF YOU DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW THE STORY). Click HERE to learn why.
- Michael Gettel Gilmarten is highlighting AMAZON: AN ULTIMATE ADVENTURE NOVEL. Click HERE to see what he thought of it.
- Riv Re joins the MMGM fun with a feature on THE DRAGON'S TOOTH. Click HERE to welcome her to the group!
- Chelanne Green is celebrating 11 BIRTHDAYS. Click HERE to see why.
- Laurisa Reyes is swooning over SHADOWS IN FLIGHT. Click HERE to see why she loved it
- Rosi Hollinbeck also joins the MMGM fun with a feature on NO-NAME BABY--with a giveaway! Click
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.
April 29, 2012
COUNCIL OF MIRRORS Winner
Whoops--been so busy trying to get through book 2 I TOTALLY forgot I had a winner to announce today.
Gotta keep this short and sweet though. The winner of the signed COUNCIL OF MIRRORS by Michael Buckley is...
Stacy Fileccia!
YAY
*tosses confetti*
If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will ship off your prize as soon as I can.
Annnnnnnnnnnd... back to book 2!
Gotta keep this short and sweet though. The winner of the signed COUNCIL OF MIRRORS by Michael Buckley is...
Stacy Fileccia!
YAY
*tosses confetti*
If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your mailing address and I will ship off your prize as soon as I can.
Annnnnnnnnnnd... back to book 2!
April 27, 2012
Trusting the Path
A writer MUCH smarter than me once told me to trust that the path is there, even when you can't see it. And that is pretty much the perfect way to describe what I've been dealing with as I try to write KEEPER 2.
I plotted the whole series years ago. I also wrote--and discussed at length--a thorough synopsis for what would happen in the book, and it all made perfect sense. I had a PLAN. And then... I started writing.
To say this book has thrown me curve balls is a bit of an understatement. In fact, I didn't even know what it was REALLY about until about a week ago when I had an EPIPHANY. So... yeah. It's been stressful. And scary. And have I mentioned stressful?
BUT, I'm trusting that the path is there.
I can finally see it--though I have a TON of work to do to really bring it out. And there are still parts of it that are a bit murky.
But the path IS there. And I'm not giving up until I finally get it right.
So... that pretty much sums up what I'll be doing this weekend. How about you guys?
I plotted the whole series years ago. I also wrote--and discussed at length--a thorough synopsis for what would happen in the book, and it all made perfect sense. I had a PLAN. And then... I started writing.
To say this book has thrown me curve balls is a bit of an understatement. In fact, I didn't even know what it was REALLY about until about a week ago when I had an EPIPHANY. So... yeah. It's been stressful. And scary. And have I mentioned stressful?
BUT, I'm trusting that the path is there.
I can finally see it--though I have a TON of work to do to really bring it out. And there are still parts of it that are a bit murky.
But the path IS there. And I'm not giving up until I finally get it right.
So... that pretty much sums up what I'll be doing this weekend. How about you guys?
