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As you can tell from that exclamation mark heavy title, I have ALL THE EXITING THINGS for you today.
And like always, I'm not going to bother saying much right now because I know you're only here for one reason. So go on. Scroll down. Check out the AMAZINGNESS that is the LODESTAR cover.
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TA DA!!!!
I swear, every year I think there's no way they can top my previous covers. And somehow they ALWAYS do. I mean, look at Sophie's face! She's like, BRING IT ON--I'VE GOT THIS. *sniffles* My little girl is so brave.
And yeah, I'm sure you have LOTS of questions. Most of which I won't be able to answer. But I'll cover a few.
~ That is Sophie, Fitz, and Tam on the cover
(OMG ISN'T TAM CUTE???)
~ Yes, everyone that isn't shown on the cover will still be in the book for all kinds of awesome scenes.
~ No, I will not tell you who the black-cloaked figure is. Or what exactly is going on. Or where they are. Or what is happening. Or anything else about the plot of the book.
BUT. I can share the official flap copy:
Dark schemes unfold--and Sophie's loyalty is pushed to the limit--in this thrilling fifth book in the best-selling KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES SERIES.
Sophie Foster is back in the Lost Cities--but the Lost Cities have changed. The threat of war hangs heavy over her glittering world, and the Neverseen are wreaking havoc.
The lines between friend and enemy have blurred, and Sophie is unsure whom to trust. But when she's warned that the people she loves most will be the next victims, she knows she has to act.
A mysterious symbol could be the key--if only she knew how to translate it. Every new clue seems to lead deeper into her world's underbelly and the Black Swan aren't the only ones who have plans. The Neverseen have their own Initiative, and if Sophie doesn't stop it, they might finally have the ultimate means to control her.
Oh, and one more thing I can share. The release day!
LODESTAR goes on sale 11/1/16!
In fact, it's already up for pre-order on amazon (and all the other websites will be adding it soon. Amazon is always first for some weird reason)
(and yes, there will be another pre-order giveaway. Official details won't be posted until October--but all pre-orders count. So you're welcome to order anytime. In fact, I'll love you ever-so-much for doing so.) :)
**And before I leave you to go back to staring at the gorgeousness, I'm going to end with a plea. I work very very hard to keep this website spoiler free, since I want it to be a safe space for all of my readers, even those who haven't had a chance to read the full series yet. So I KNOW you're going to want to leave comments trying to guess what's going on in this amazing cover. But PLEASE keep those comments spoiler free. (And no, putting something like *SPOILERS BELOW* and then including a ton of spoilers doesn't work.) You can have those discussions lots of other place. But not here. My website is a "Spoiler Free Zone" and I *will* delete any comments that include even the slightest hint of a spoiler, okay? Thank you in advance for being the awesome, enthusiastic, respectful readers I know you can be.**
Okay, now go back and ogle the shiny cover of amazingness. And I'll get back to writing the book!
Yes--it's true!
After quite a long delay, Let the Storm Break (Sky Fall #2) is finally hitting the world in paperback form!!!!
Even better: it has the stunningly beautiful new cover. I seriously can't stop staring at it:
Even EVEN better? It has this in the back:
Why yes, yes that IS the first THREE chapters of LET THE WIND RISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND LOOK AT HOW PRETTY IT LOOKS WITH THE NEW PAPERBACKS OF LET THE SKY FALL!!!!!!!!
Also: make sure you mark those calendars for 4/26/16, when you'll finally get to read the end of Vane & Audra's story in LET THE WIND RISE. It's getting SO CLOSE!
(Oh, and for those wondering about launch parties and events and whatnot--I promise, I have LOTS of updates on all of that coming in the next month or two--as well as the LTWR pre-order giveaway. Stay tuned!)
I can't believe it's that time again--NEVERSEEN comes out in less than five weeks!!!
(*tosses confetti whilst hyperventilating*)
(*chokes on confetti*)
And just like last year, I have ALL KINDS of updates coming up, including the pre-order swag giveaway and the NEVERSEEN tour dates and locations. (I'll also be sharing character art and teasers on social media, so if you aren't following me on Instagram, you might wanna click
HERE and correct that)
But in the meantime, I have one thing you can mark on your calendars--the Official NEVERSEEN Lauch Party!!!!
And in case that graphic isn't loading for some reason, here the details are again in plain text:
Friday, 10/30/15
7:00 pm
Barnes &Noble Montclair Plaza
5183 Montclair Plaza Ln.
Montclair, CA 91763
909-399-1966
And yes--that date is correct. Thanks to when I leave for tour, the Launch party is FIVE DAYS before NEVERSEEN comes out. So that means--if you come--you can buy your copy FIVE DAYS early!!!!!
As if that weren't incredible enough, let me give you another AMAZING reason to be there: Everyone who comes to the official launch--and buys a copy of NEVERSEEN--will be given one of these SUPER SHINY alicorn buttons (perfect for fastening your cape--or, yanno, decorating whatever you want):
For those who don't live in SoCal, I *will* be handing out (or raffling off) a few of these buttons at each of my tour stops. Plus there will be online giveaways to give everyone a chance to enter for one. And they'll be given out at the Launch on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. So if you're worried about getting one, better get there early. :)
There will also be some very special CUPCAKES!! (*whispers* they might be mallowmelt flavored) And SWAG. And BOOKS!!! Shiny EARLY copies of NEVERSEEN!!!! And I'll be signing ALL of them!!!!! Who doesn't want to be a part of that?????
So mark your calendars for 10/30/15, and start begging your parents to bring you. It's going to be EPIC!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask away in the comments section below.
And .... that's it for now. But like I said--stay tuned. Soooooooooooooooooo many more exciting things are coming up over the next few weeks.
*tosses more confetti and gets back to writing*
They're here! They're here!
THE SHINY EVERBLAZE PAPERBACKS ARE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And I know a lot of you already bought the shiny hardcovers. (if you did--THANK YOU SO MUCH! *tacklehugs*)
But I still get crazy excited when my books finally release in paperback, because they're so much more affordable, and I know for so many families (including mine, when I was a kid) that makes a HUGE difference. I've heard from so many readers who've been waiting for the paperback before they can read (it's why I try to be so vigilant about spoilers) so I'm super excited they'll finally be able to.
Plus, even if you DO own a hardcover--there's something extra special in the paperbacks you might be excited to see:
Why yes, yes that IS the first chapter of NEVERSEEN!!!!
So I think this calls for a giveaway. After all, the hardcover readers shouldn't be the only ones who get some fun extra goodies. So here's how this works:
If you pre-ordered the paperback version of EVERBLAZE any time before August 4, 2015--OR if you purchase a paperback copy between now and August 11, 2015--fill out the form at the bottom of this post by 11:59pm pacific time on August 11, 2015, and I will send you these:
(in case you can't tell, that's a signed bookplate and a character art print postcard--which has all four covers on the back)
In addition to that, five random winners will also get one of these exclusive Black Swan mirrors:
If you buy more than one copy of the paperback, you can definitely get more than one set of swag. Just make sure you fill out the form separately for each copy, so I know how many to send you.
And please note, this giveaway is only available for people who buy the paperback during the designated time period. (If you've bought the hardcover or ebook, I've already done giveaways for those--sorry if you missed them!) Also: no proof of purchase is required. I like to keep my contests on the honor system, so if you say you bought it, I trust you. But remember: every time you lie, Iggy has to miss a meal, and do you really want an angry imp coming after you????
International entries also totally count. I will mail swag anywhere you live. But this is only for a very limited time, so don't miss your chance. And don't forget to fill out the form* (you must fill out the form in order to get your swag).
And... I think that pretty much covers everything. But if I missed something, ask in the comments. Otherwise here's the form you need to fill out: (and if you can't access the form for some reason, you can find it
HERE).
Ready?
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Go!
*You must be 13 or older in order to fill out this form. If you're not, please have your parent or guardian fill it out for you.
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I know you're going to scroll right past this to get to the gorgeousness--and I can't say I blame you
(In fact, I'm always tempted to put a big spoiler in the text before the cover reveal since no one ever reads it--but I shall refrain!).
So here you go--without further ado. The cover you've been begging me to see....
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VIOLA!
You have no idea how many hours I have spent staring at that stunningness!!!! I mean...
The colors!
The outfits!
The expressions!
Just...EVERYTHING!!!
I can't even....
IT IS TOO AWESOME--I LOVE IT TOO MUCH!!!!
And yeah, I'm sure you now have ALL THE QUESTIONS. Most of which I probably can't answer. But here's what I CAN say:
~ That is Sophie, Keefe, and Biana on the cover
(YES--WE FINALLY GET TO SEE BIANA--DOESN'T SHE LOOK BEAUTIFUL???)
~ No, Fitz and Dex aren't on the cover, but YES they are in the book just as much.
~ Yes, that IS Biana's hand grabbing Keefe's arm. And no, I have no comment on that.
(Though I'm sure the fandom will have LOTS of thoughts...)
~ Yes, they all look worried--and rightfully so. A humongous wave is crashing over them!
And...that's it. I can't tell you what the scene is, or where they are, or at what point that scene happens in the story. For that, you'll have to wait for the book
So I know the next logical question is; when does the book come out?!?!?!?
And the only answer I can give is: Fall 2015. It'll probably be November like EVERBLAZE, but release dates change all the time, so I won't have an exact date to give you until we're closer to that season. Plus, yanno, I'm still writing the book, so there's that. Realllllllllllllllllllllly need to finish...
So how about I go back to writing and you guys go back to staring at the gloriousness and we'll see how long it takes before the first fan art from the new cover pops up on the Internetz?
*scrolls up to ogle the shiny one more time*
*gets back to writing*
I KNOW you guys are just going to skip right past this part to get to the shiny title. So all I'm going to say is: Are you ready for this????????
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TA DA!!!
In case that graphic isn't loading, the title of book 4 is: NEVERSEEN!!!
Say it with me: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
It *probably* won't mean as much to you if you haven't read EVERBLAZE yet. But once you read it you'll totally get it.
And since I know you probably have some questions now, let me pre-empt them:
- I don't have the exact release date (if you see any listed online just know that it's only a placeholder date and may very well change).
- I also don't have a plot description to share (mostly because I'm still writing the book...)
- I can't show you the cover yet--BUT I WILL BE ABLE TO SOON. Like, think weeks, not months. Probably by the end of Jan. I'm not 100% sure on the exact date yet, so make sure you check back often. And I feel absolutely confident when I say: you guys are gonna LOVE it.
And...that's all for now. Back to writing NEVERSEEN! (And WOO HOO--I DON'T HAVE TO REMEMBER NOT TO SAY THE TITLE ANYMORE!!! Keeping secrets from you guys is so hard!)
Wow--we are less than five weeks away from the release of EVERBLAZE!!!!
(*cue all the jumping and flailing and scrambling and panicking*)
So keep an eye on this blog--and the rest of my social media--because I have ALL KINDS of fun updates coming for you, including the pre-order swag giveaway you're all so eagerly waiting for, and my Fall tour dates.
But while that's all getting finalized, I wanted to share one event that's already set: The Official EVERBLAZE Lauch Party!!!! Here's all the deets:
And in case that graphic isn't loading for some reason, here the details are again in plain text:
Monday, 11/3/14
7:00 pm
Barnes & Noble Montclair Plaza
5183 Montclair Plaza Ln.
Montclair, CA 91763
909-399-1966
And yes--you're reading that date correctly. The official Launch party IS the day before EVERBLAZE comes out. So that means--if you come--you can buy your copy a day early!!!!!
As if that weren't incredible enough, let me give you another AWESOME reason to be there. Everyone who comes to the official launch--and buys a copy of EVERBLAZE--will also be given one of these amazing Black Swan mirrors:
For those who don't live in SoCal, I *will* be raffling off a few of these mirrors at each of my tour stops. Plus there will be a few online giveaways during the weeks after release to give everyone a chance to enter for one. But this Launch Party is the only time they'll be given out to everyone at the event. And they'll be given out first come, first served, while supplies last. So if you're worried about getting one, better get there early. :)
There will also be some very special RAFFLE PRIZES! And CUPCAKES!! And SWAG. And BOOKS!!! So many shiny copies of EVERBLAZE!!!! And I'll be signing ALL of them!!!!! Who doesn't want to be a part of that?????
It'll be the perfect way to kick off launch week, and I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! I hope to see you there! Mark your calendars for 11/3/14. It's going to be EPIC!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask away in the comments section below.
And .... that's it for now. But like I said in the beginning--stay tuned. I still have lots more events and giveaways and amazingness coming your way!! The next few weeks are going to be so much fun!
((Team KEEPER Group Hug))
EXILE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!!!!!!!!!!
And I know this probably isn't the release day you're all waiting for (only 91 more days until EVERBLAZE releases--EEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!) But I'm always super excited when my books finally release in paperback, because when I was growing up, paperbacks were pretty much the only books my parents could afford. So it makes me ever so happy to finally have EXILE available at a cheaper price point.
Even better: the shiny paperback only costs $6.99--and considering it's 592 pages that is a HUGE BARGAIN!!!!
Even, EVEN better? Those shiny paperbacks also include THIS, which I KNOW you're all excited about:
Yes, that's right!
It HAS THE FIRST CHAPTER OF EVERBLAZE!!!
As if you needed more reasons to pick up a copy, I'm also hosting a special swag giveaway to celebrate, since I don't think hardcover release days should get to have all the fun. So here's how this works:
If you pre-ordered the paperback version of EXILE any time before August 5, 2014--OR if you purchase a paperback copy between now and August 10, 2014--fill out the form at the bottom of this post by 11:59pm pacific time on August 11, 2014, and I will send you these:
(in case you can't tell, that's a signed EXILE bookplate and a limited edition signed Verdi art print postcard)
If you buy more than one copy of the paperback, you can definitely get more than one set of swag. Just make sure you fill out the form separately for each copy, so I know how many to send you.
And please note, this giveaway is only available for people who buy the paperback during the designated time period. (If you've bought the hardcover or ebook, I've already done giveaways for that--sorry if you missed them!) Also: no proof of purchase is required. I like to keep my contests on the honor system, so if you say you bought it, I trust you. But remember: every time you lie, an alicorn loses its wings, and do you really want that on your head???
International entries also totally count. I will mail swag anywhere you live. But this is only for a very limited time, so don't miss your chance. And don't forget to fill out the form* (you must fill out the form in order to get your swag).
Also: don't forget, I'll be on tour all next week, so if you're near LA, Fresno, Reno, Portland, or Seattle, check my
events page and come see me! And that also means I won't be able to send out your swag until I get back. But I promise they'll go in the mail as soon as I'm home!
And... I think that pretty much covers everything. But if I missed something, let me know. You can ask questions in the comments. Otherwise here's the form you need to fill out: (and if you can't access the form for some reason, you can find it
HERE).
Ready?
....
Go!
*You must be 13 or older in order to fill out this form. If you're not, please have your parent or guardian fill it out for you.
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I know some of you might have already guessed this--and the rest of you have been asking me questions about it constantly (SORRY for not replying to them. I wasn't ignoring you, I swear. I just wasn't allowed to share yet!).
But the news is officially "out there" now, so I can FINALLY tell you that yes, THIS IS HAPPENING:
Yes--that's right. EVERBLAZE is not the end of the KEEPER series.
THERE WILL BE A KEEPER #4--which has no title yet, or any official plot details (it also, um, hasn't been written--but details, details. I'm working on it!)
Sadly, that's pretty much all I can share at the moment. It's hard to talk about book 4 when you guys haven't read book 3 (definitely don't want to spoil anything for you). But I can show you the official deal announcement from PM, which does tell you one sentence about it:
Shannon Messenger's book 4 in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, a young girl with secrets buried in her memory must realize the full power of her abilities if she is to infiltrate a dangerous new society to prevent a deadly conflict with the potential to destroy the Lost Cities and the future of her kind, again to Liesa Abrams at Aladdin, for publication in Fall 2015*, by Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency (NA).[email protected]
I also want to give a HUGE "thank you" to each and every one of you for the love and enthusiasm you've shown this series. My agent, editor, and the whole team at S&S have all been amazingly supportive, BUT, we still wouldn't be adding another book if you guys weren't such incredible, awesome readers!!!
So thank you for the fandoms you've started, and the fan art you send me, and for telling your friends and family and librarians and teachers. Bit by bit you guys are helping this series grow, and you have no idea how much I appreciate it. I can't WAIT for you guys to read EVERBLAZE this November, and I can't wait to write book 4.
And on that note, I should probably get started--TO THE WRITING CAVE!!!!
*in PM it was incorrectly listed as Fall 2016, so I amended it here.
This morning, my mom asked me why I hadn't updated my blog in a while, to which I responded, "YOU READ MY BLOG?!" But okay, she was right. I haven't updated in a while because ALL THE THINGS have been happening. Like:
My ARCs arrived! And I hugged them! And I took a billion and a half pictures of them! And I took selfies with them! And I cuddled them while I slept acted like a totally normal human being with them!
This is my name on a thing I wrote (I WROTE THAT THING IN THE PICTURE. LIKE I MADE THAT IN MY HEAD).
This is the spine on a thing I wrote (and also a viking rune, because vikings are cool)
This is the FREAKING GORGEOUS cover of a thing I wrote
This is a thing I wrote on my ACTUAL, PHYSICAL BOOKSHELF
This is my face and a thing I wrote. See those fingers?
I TYPED THAT BOOK WITH THOSE FINGERS.
(Yeah, I know I have toe thumbs. Don't stare. They're self-conscious).
Okay, time to get serious. I am so, SO happy and proud to announce (belatedly) that FALLING INTO PLACE was chosen as one of the ten titles featured in the
Indies Introduce New Voices program! Here's what they had to say about FALLING:
“In Falling Into Place, Zhang has composed such a fascinating and captivating investigation of character and humanity that readers will find themselves actively rooting for Liz, desperate for her to realize in time that taking herself out of life is never the answer.” —Sara Hines, Eight Cousins Books
UM. WOW. *DIES*
I'm also beyond excited to share that I'll be doing a panel at BEA this year with Becca Fitzpatrick, Amanda Maciel, and Kresley Cole. It's called "
It's Not Easy Being Teen," which is basically the most accurate statement ever. It'll be on Friday, May 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., so if any of you are coming to BEA, be sure to stop by! I'll also be signing afterwards.
Here's the description of the event from the BEA website:
How do you believably and authentically get into the mindset of a teen? It's simple to skew a voice too young or too old, or to underestimate the breadth of a high schooler's experience. These authors will talk what it takes to portray teens truthfully and the challenges they have faced both on and off the page. Listen in and meet: Amy Zhang (Falling Into Place), Kresley Cole, (Dead of Winter), Becca Fitzpatrick, (Black Ice), Amanda Maciel, (Tease).
*Yeah, okay, so there weren't actually any unicorns in this post. Sorry. Bait-and-switch or whatever, amirite?
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OKAY FINE.
By: Amy Zhang,
on 3/9/2014
Blog:
A Story of a Dreamer
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Today is March 9th. Which means that there are:
6 months
184 days
4, 416 hours
264,960 seconds
...until FALLING INTO PLACE comes out and my head explodes. Wow. Like, I see the numbers and I have a vague concept that months/days/hours/seconds are divisions of time or something, but I can't actually wrap my head around the idea that this thing I made in my head is going to be...bound? On shelves? Available for purchase? In SIX MONTHS?!
I am terrified and excited and happy beyond words, and to celebrate, I'm going to do a love list, which is a non-exhaustive list of the things you love about a manuscript (inspired by my wonderful CP Mark O'Brien, who was inspired KK Hendin, who was inspired by Rachel, who was inspired by Stephanie Perkins).
FALLING INTO PLACE
voicemails
chalk drawings on the roof
scenic towers
flying
jumping off the swings
snapshots
countdowns
Newton
a 1967 Ford Falcon
being wrong
being right
being
hide-and-seek
gravity
bouncy balls
wire crowns
twenty-three missed calls
running through the rain
second chances
rolling
seven days
fifty-eight minutes
inertia
F = ma
equals
opposites
green sweaters
flute players
black eyes
the sky
tag
matching friendship rings
wishing
falling
cause and effect
blue
yes
BONUS:
the cover
the interior
By: Amy Zhang,
on 2/28/2014
Blog:
A Story of a Dreamer
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MY COVER! IT'S MY COVER! ALSO A GIVEAWAY! AND MY COVER! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
http://www.yahighway.com/2014/02/cover-reveal-and-giveaway-falling-into.html?m=1
HUGE thanks to the wonderful people at YA Highway, who not only hosted my cover reveal, but managed to put it together in, like, two freaking hours. If that's not a superpower, I don't know what is. And also to the amazing, AMAZING team at Greenwillow who designed this breathtaking cover. Can we just sit here for a minute and marvel at how amazeballs they are? Because HOLY CRAP THAT COVER.
AND ALSO ginormous thanks to my agent, who played fairy godmother/therapist/shoulder-to-whine-on/superhero/buttsaver this week (and every other week).
NOW GO LOOK AT THAT COVER. GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO!!!!!!!!
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AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH IT'S SO PRETTY I'M GONNA DIE!!!!!
*deep breaths*
Seriously, though. I love everything about it. I love the physics equations in the background, even though I've spent the last few weeks staring at them and realizing that I forgot everything I learned in physics. I love the car falling and the road and the words. I love my name (DO YOU SEE MY NAME IN THE CORNER THERE BECAUSE OH MY GOD MY NAME IS ON A BOOK). And I love love love love LOVE the hand, because it's THE IMAGINARY FRIEND'S HAND!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!
Okay. Okay. So it's actually kind of funny that I'm having my reveal today, because it's exactly one day after the anniversary of my book. That's right. FALLING INTO PLACE sold on February 28, 2013. And in another one hundred and ninety-three days (that's ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-THREE, 19FREAKING3) days, you'll be able to go to your bookstore and, like, TOUCH IT. AND HOLD IT. AND READ IT.
*brain implodes*
The life-changing, panic-inducing, holy-hell-it's-happening text from my agent.
Holy cow, you guys!
We are one month away from the release of LET THE SKY FALL.
ONE MONTH!!!!
(and not even a full thirty-day-month, since February is a weird short month, but I'm trying not to think about that because it TRIGGERS THE SHANNON PANIC!!!)
(ahem)
ANYWAY, since this is a brand new series in a brand new age category, I wanted to do something a little bit special to celebrate the release and thank anyone who takes a chance on me and my little YA. So I've put together a special Pre-Order Promotion/Giveaway where everyone wins something!!!
Yes, that's right, EVERYONE!!! (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
And I wanted there to be as many prizes as possible, so I'm doing tiers of prizes--ALL of which are open internationally.
Here's the breakdown:
EVERYONE who pre-orders a copy of LET THE SKY FALL and fills out the form below before 11:59pm pacific time on 3/4/13 will win this:
a signed LTSF bookmark AND a signed LTSF bookplate, (which can also be personalized)
(and pardon my lame photo skills--they're even prettier than this in real life)
Additionally, I will draw TWENTY-FIVE lucky winners (yes, 25!!!) who will ALSO win one of these:
Special LTSF scrabble tile necklaces handmade by me
(again, the picture totally doesn't do them justice--and yes, they include the chain!)
And finally, one especially lucky grand prize winner will ALSO win a $50 amazon or B&N gift card (winner's choice)!!!!!
(I... don't have a picture of that because it's kind of boring to look at)
(BUT ITS FUN TO SHOP WITH!!!!)
Even better? I'm NOT making everyone email me proof of purchase in order to enter. That's WAY too much work for everyone. So the ONLY person who will have to email me proof of purchase will be the grand prize winner (who will have 7 days to send it to me after I notify them that they're the winner.) Everything else will be on the honor system. But PLEASE don't cheat and fill out the form if you haven't pre-ordered the book. Every time you do that a cupcake fairy loses her sparkle and HOW COULD YOU DEPRIVE THE WORLD OF SPARKLY CUPCAKES????
Also, I know that some of you lovely, lovely people may have already pre-ordered LTSF, and I would certainly never want to punish you for that (in fact, I *kind of* want to hug you). So if that's the case, you are welcome to fill out the form. All pre-orders count!
I ... think that covers everything. But if I missed something feel free to ask away in the comments. And THANK YOU guys for all the awesome support. Methinks it's going to be a crazy month and I am so glad I have you with me.
((BIG SMOOSHY GROUP HUG))
Okay, here's the form. And if for some reason it isn't loading, click
HERE. Remember, you HAVE to fill it out if you want to win the prizes (and, yanno, pre-order the book). Don't just leave a blog comment, it won't be counted with the entries!
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Read the rest of this post
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: TONIGHT
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Barnes & Noble Oceanside
2615 Vista Way Oceanside, CA 92054
760-529-0106
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!!!!
Okay--don't go into shock, but I AM ACTUALLY POSTING ON MY BLOG. (I know, I know--I said don't go into shock!)
Sadly, this does not mean I'm out of the deadline cave. I'm still very much trapped in that dark, stressful place for at least another few weeks. But the good news is: I snuck out into the light because I have something SUPER AWESOME to share with you guys--and a contest too! (so you'll want to stick with me to the end of this post)
See, I don't know if you realize this, but LET THE SKY FALL is launching into the world in LESS THAN 100 DAYS!!!!
I know to some of you that might sound very far away--but trust me, that is SOON. Like holy crap, there aren't enough exclamation marks in the world to convey how soon that is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Personally, I'd been planning to commemorate the impending countdown to LTSF's launch with a panicky, exclamation mark filled post (hey, kinda like this one) wherein I stressed about ALL THE THINGS.
Fortunately though, the lovely people at S&S had something MUCH more awesome planned (this is why authors shouldn't be in charge of these things). And so, I give you: THE MOST SHINY AWESOME COUNTDOWN WIDGET I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Make sure you click the play button in the top right--THERE ARE WIND SOUND FX!!!!
(and if, for some reason, that isn't loading right on your screen, you can also find it
HERE)
Equally exciting--or maybe even MORE SO--is that S&S has also built a super-awesome microsite for LET THE SKY FALL, which they will be adding all kinds of cool things to in the months to come. And to start off the fun, they have the first four chapters online for you to read. Click
HERE to check that out.
And of course this wouldn't be a proper celebration without a contest. SO I'M ALSO GIVING AWAY AN ARC OF LET THE SKY FALL!!!!!!!!!!
I want to make this really nice and easy for everyone (especially myself, given the whole DROWNING IN DEADLINES thing). So to enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm pacific time on Saturday, December 8th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, December 9th. That's it--that's all you have to do. And international entries are welcome.
HOWEVER, I know some of you might wish there were a way to increase your chances of winning. So I will also give FIVE extra entries to anyone who posts the widget on their blog. I don't need a link--if you say you did it I trust you. But make sure you let me know that you did so I can give you your extra entries.
Ready?
Set?
GO!!!!!!!
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.
Yes--the time has finally come for me to freak out tell you about some of the exciting things I have planned for the release of KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES. Specifically the terrifying Launch Parties!
And yes--I mean parties plural. I figured, I was already worrying that no one would come to one launch party, so why not double the stress????? :)
No, really, what it came down to is that there's one Indie Book Store that not only holds a very special place in my heart, but is a large part of the reason KEEPER exists. So I couldn't imagine not doing my launch there. BUT, when I started telling SoCal friends and family that the launch would be in Arizona, well... lets just say they were less than happy with me (I'm now very glad I didn't have a destination wedding--it would not have gone over well).
SO, I'm doing TWO launches in TWO different states in ONE action packed week---and then probably collapsing or fleeing to Mexico. Should be good times!
Here are the details for both events:
SoCal Launch Party
When: Tuesday, October 2
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Barnes & Noble Oceanside
2615 Vista WayOceanside,
CA 92054
760-529-0106
Changing Hands Launch Party
When: Saturday, October 6
Time: 5:00 pm
Where: Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S McClintock DrTempe,
AZ 85283
480-730-0205
I really hope some of you guys can come. In fact, I will love you forever. Like, SERIOUSLY. You have no idea how many sleepless nights I've had about this:
SO, if you live in or near any of those areas I am begging hoping you'll decide to make me the happiest person ever (seriously, EVER) and come hang out.
There will be rambling! And nervous giggling! And awkward moments where I can't decide if I should hug or handshake so we do that sort of clumsy half step-dancy thing!
Who DOESN'T want to be there for all of that????????
And
since I am not above bribing you because I love you guys, there will also be exclusive swag and prizes! (Some pretty awesome things, if I do say so myself.) I'm also working on getting food and other yummy things. I'm not sure what the stores will allow, but I'll do what I can to have a few treats.
So mark those calendars! I'll update with any additional details as I figure them out and do my best to remind you guys (warning: I will probably be a bit obnoxious about this--I am SO SCARED no one will come). You can also find info on all my upcoming events on my
Appearances Page.
Hope to see some of you there!
A few of you might have seen me tweet this picture from the SCIBA event I went to last weekend:
This is me with Amber Benson (yes, Tara!) and Lisa McMann
(otherwise known as: two super-cool S&S Aladdin authors--with a Shannon standing nervously in the middle!)
And you might notice that I do not have my arm around Lisa McMann in the photo--and there IS a reason for that. See, poor Lisa had already had to endure a couple of awkward Shannon-hugs that evening, so I decided it wasn't right to make her endure any more.
Which may make you wonder why I was hug-molesting poor Lisa McMann.
Well... there are many reasons:
- I'm ... kinda a HUGE Lisa McMann fangirl
- She's arguably one of the nicest authors out there
- But mostly, it had to do with this:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“A delightful and dangerous adventure with complex characters and relationships you'll root for to the end of time.”
-Lisa McMann
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In case you can't tell--that is the first official blurb for KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES!!!
Nope--that's not enough exclamation marks:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Though, mostly... I get a bit teary every time I read it.
I mean, having someone say something nice about my book will always be an AMAZING thing. But to have it be from an author I've been admiring and fangirl-ing for YEARS--an author who writes both middle grade and YA with the kind of ease and skill that I aspire to, is just...
There. Are. No. Words.
(That does not mean I didn't ramble--mostly incoherently--to poor Lisa at the event, thanking her for taking the time to read KEEPER and giving such an amazing blurb. But I will spare you that because it's bad enough poor Lisa had to suffer through it. I'm just happy I didn't cry!)
And just so you guys can fully understand why this blurb means so much to me, I've decided to give away some of Lisa's amazing books to one luck
So... remember that time I kept a BIG secret from you guys for five months???
Well...
I *kinda* did it again...
Messenger’s YA Novels Get Six Figures at S&S
Laura Rennert of Andrea Brown Literary Agency sold North American rights for Shannon Messenger’s debut young adult novel, Let the Sky Fall, and a sequel. The six-figure deal went to Liesa Abrams, executive editor at Simon & Schuster for the Simon Pulse imprint. Let the Sky Fall, slated for March 2013 publication, is about a 17-year-old boy who has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. Though his memory has been erased, he is haunted by dreams of a beautiful, dark-haired girl. Now, years later, he finds out the girl is real: she’s his guardian sylph, an air elemental, who harnesses the power of the wind.
(You can see the complete article
HERE)
And from Publisher's Marketplace:
68 Comments on The Announcement you probably never saw coming..., last added: 2/2/2012
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So excited for this! @_extraordiMARY got me all worked up. :)
*Dies of epicness*
Awww, thank you!!! Mary might be my best fangirl ever. She is THE BEST. :)
NO--DON'T DIE. WE NEED YOU ALIVE!!! ;)
It's okay, I have a tendency to die then come back to life. Not as a zombie, though, cause I've never been one for the walking dead. :p Just so you's know, I've Pre-ordered this book, and honestly CANNOT wait. So to ease my pain of waiting, I've started a daily countdown on my facebook. :p I might pass out when the day comes when I hold this amazing epic epicness in my hands O.O Thank you for writing such great books that I can both relate to and learn from! *Air hug*
*resist making meep sounds* You continue to be the best. I'm not just saying that as your Saved By the Bell dressed cheerleader either.
Excellent idea. How do you do it all Shannon? Can't wait for this book.
Congrats Shannon! I'm looking forward to this.
*happy squeal* This is SOOOO amazing. I'm going to pre-order it soon! :)
WOO HOO!! I pre-ordered from Amazon because that cover is just too beautiful to not have a real hardcover copy of it. I usually read on my Nook but this book is just too, too pretty. I'm excited to read it! Loved the sample chapters!
Geez louise, missy! You are probably the darn most giving author on the planet. Many thanks and love and appreciation, but I dare say you are probably the most appreciative out of all of us, if this giveaway is any indication. ;) I preordered my copy ages ago - can't believe it's finally almost here!!
Geez louise, missy! You are probably the darn most giving author on the planet. Many thanks and love and appreciation, but I dare say you are probably the most appreciative out of all of us, if this giveaway is any indication. ;) I preordered my copy ages ago - can't believe it's finally almost here!!
Um hi Shannon,I did pre-order your book,but at my local store they give us a kind of slip instead of an invoice.So in case I DO win the grand prize,should I just take a picture of the slip and send it to you?
Thanks! :)
i've pre-ordered LtSF since last year!! super excited for it to come out. thank you for this epic giveaway :)
Yes that would totally be perfect. And yay for supporting a local store--THANK YOU!!! :)
Awwww, you are making me blush! Thank you. Really, I AM the most appreciative out of everyone. It's so crazy to me that people want to read my stories. THANK YOU!
Awwwwwwww, that is AWESOME! (And I know, the cover is SO pretty. I don't feel braggy saying that since I don't get to take credit for making it. That was alllll S&S) :)
WOO HOO, THANK YOU!!!
Thanks for the cool giveaway! I'm very excited to read Let the Sky Fall. I pre-ordered it from Books-a-Million last week. Hope you can come back to TN this spring/summer. I'd love for you to sign my copy in person ;)
I... don't get to sleep nearly as much as I'd like. Though this time I'll be enlisting the Hubs to help with the mailing. Shhh don't tell him. It'll be a surprise! :)
Awwwww, thank you so much! <3!
LOL. B for B, ba ba ba B go ... Let the Sky Fall? Hm, that needs work...
Oh wow, last year??? That is AWESOME! Thank you!!!
Awww, YAY for Books-A-Million! And I'm hoping to make it to TN this year. Might not be till fall though. I have a lot of West Coast travel in the spring. Plus deadlines. ALWAYS deadlines. :)
What a great giveaway! So excited to read LTSF!
YAY!!! Thank you so much! I'm so excited!! I pre ordered it on Christmas day with my gift money!!! I can't wait to read it! Thanks again you're awesome :D!!!!
Thanks for the contest, and for making it international - I know that is more work and expense - just letting you know I am grateful! Can't wait for the new book to come out!
Thank you so much for this! I just pre-ordered my copy and I can't wait to read it!
Thank you SO MUCH!!! This is awesome! Just being able to get the bookplate and bookmark is awesome enough :) (although that does not mean you should toss out my name should I be fortunate enough to win a necklace or the grand prize... ;))
I hope your hand cramps a loooooot :)
Can't wait to read LTSF!
Yikes, I can't remember if I filled in the form or not, I might have filled it in twice under the name "Selina Xu" :) If so, you can delete any of those entries. Sorry for the trouble!
No worries at all. And thank you!!!
LOL--me TOO! :)
LOL. Definitely will not toss out your other entries--but so glad you like the swag! <3
Awwww, THANK YOU!
Aw, you're very welcome. International shipping can be obnoxious, but I have so many awesome international followers I try not to neglect you guys whenever possible. Thank you!
Ohhhh, that's so awesome. Thank you!
Awww, here's hoping you enjoy!
I've been coming here every day. I am so excited for the release! :D
Time is going by way to slooowwww!
So excited!!! Thanks, Shannon!
♥Kassiah
Just pre-ordered from Amazon with *guaranteed* delivery on release date! I went ahead and ordered the hardcover instead of the Kindle edition because .... I'm wondering if there's any way to mail it to you for signature???? I'd so love to come to a book signing but doubt you'll be anywhere near me anytime soon. Is getting it signed via mail a possibility?? Don't mean to put you on the spot; just wondering. Can't wait to read :))))
So I just typed out a comment, then signed in and *poof* away went my comment. Here's the gist: just pre-ordered LTSF from Amazon, which guarantees delivery on release date. So excited! I went ahead and ordered the hardcover instead of the Kindle edition because ... I'm wondering if it's possible to mail it to you for signature??? Don't mean to put you on the spot but I doubt you'll be doing a book signing anywhere near me anytime soon. Can't wait to read!
Hey Steph! Looks like both your comments found their way to appear. :) Actually, the bookplates that everyone gets with the giveaway are signed and can be personalized and are designed so you can pop it right in your book and it'll magically turn into a signed copy. But if that's not enough we might be able to work something out. Just email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com
Yep, just saw that both comments showed up! Oh well, I was just so gosh darn excited ;) Thanks so much for the reply. Can't wait!!!
So excited to read it! Got my pre-order and entered my info for the contest. Just a few more days!!!
Oh noes! I should have pre- ordered the Kindle Version. The Hardcover book will be delivered on March 13th. Such a long wait. I so don't like Amaz*n right now.
Anyway, thanks for the awesome Contest! :)
Just got my Amazon notification of shipment. I'll have LTSF in hand on Tuesday!!! Yay! :)
Thank you SO much for this giveaway!!! I am seriously so stoked to read LTSF and have made sure we have copies ordered for the store! Can't wait to get reading!