Here are a few questions I keep getting via email/comments/in person. If you have others, ask away in the comments and I'll answer as many as I can next post.
"When will Forest Born paperback come out?"
As usual for me, US paperback will come out 2 years after the hardcover release, so fall 2011. forest born is in paperback already in the UK/Australia.
"Will there ever be an Alison Jay painting on a Forest Born hardcover? I want a matching set!"
I have many hopes that one day there will be, but if it happens, it will be a special gift edition, a limited time sort of thing, and not this year at the very least. I hope, but I'm not holding my breath.
"Will you be making any appearances in my state anytime soon?"
No. For the time being, all my appearances will be confined to the couch and/or bed. Preferably while reclining on my left side and eating a medium rare steak. The only possible appearance I might be making would be August 21 at Writing for Charity. Otherwise, I doubt I'll be traveling for the next couple of years.
"When are you due?"
Mid-October, but I'm sure we'll welcome the little hell raisers before then.
"What was your 'super secret project' - your pregnancy or Midnight in Austenland?"
Neither! Sorry, I still haven't been able to reveal that. I try not to talk about it anymore because I know that must be annoying and I really don't know at this point when (if ever!) I can reveal. Which is hard because it's something I've spent hundreds of hours on over the past year and has been a fascinating journey for me. I'm eager to share! Just as soon as my lawyers and the government of Lichtenstein give me leave. (Just kidding about the lawyers. But not Lichtenstein.) (Okay, just kidding about Lichtenstein too. Really it's Mali.)
"What are you going to name your baby girls?"
No clue.
"Will there be a fifth book of Bayern?"
I'll never say never again when it comes to Bayern, but I am not currently writing one.
"What are you currently writing?"
Midnight in Austenland. Ooh, the title alone gives me a thrill! Can't wait to share! Sometimes Daisy Danger Brown, though the latter won't be finished and published for years, I'd guess. It's definitely gotten the shaft this year. Sorry, Daisy.
Address any other non-burning questions in the comments. Burning questions should go to your doctor. (I stole that from Libba Bray.)
I just want to thank you for your blog. I really enjoy it as well as all of your books. I am excited I got the Relief Society in my ward to choose Goose Girl for our next book club read. The Actor and The Housewife would have better discussion I think, but I know there are some ladies that just can't handle it.
Posted by: Amanda Norr | July 26, 2010 at 02:05 PM
Is Midnight in Austenland a sequel to Austenland? Is it an adult book or YA? Cause I can't tell you how much I loved Austenland AND Actor and the Housewife.
Posted by: Katie | July 26, 2010 at 02:06 PM
You're too funny. But that's what your readers love about you so much. Seriously. :) Take care of yourself.
Posted by: Karen Adair | July 26, 2010 at 02:16 PM
I'm assuming you're going to take a break from writing when the little ones arrive...do you plan to continue writing at some point though (I'm also assuming yes to that question, but want to make sure;). I just don't know what I'd do without a new Shannon Hale book, at least someday (I guess I could read the other ones over again, oh wait, I already do that!). I'm sorry if you've already answered this one, but do you know when Midnight in Austenland will come out?
Good luck with the bed rest. Hope you're feeling alright!
Posted by: Christy Grigg | July 26, 2010 at 02:43 PM
Good luck with your twins! How'd you tell Maggie and Max about them?
Posted by: Ennafan | July 26, 2010 at 04:06 PM
I understand privacy, but I have wondered what you look like with two babies in the belly. :)
Posted by: Taiger | July 26, 2010 at 04:51 PM
Are your twins identical or fraternal? And I know you can't answer that yet, but I'd like to know. Sometime.
Posted by: hwalk | July 26, 2010 at 05:06 PM
Will you ever do another book for books of bayern or princess academy because whenever i go into a book store people are always asking if you have written another book or if you are going to.
Posted by: Margo | July 26, 2010 at 05:24 PM
You said in one of your previous posts that you like to think of Mt. Eskel and Bayern on the same planet but different continents and different time periods. Do you think of the Eight Realms the same???
Posted by: Princess Loucida | July 26, 2010 at 05:24 PM
Do I detect a Knight's Tale reference...? :)
Posted by: Marie | July 26, 2010 at 06:18 PM
When you start traveling again will you ever come to Israel?Pretty please with sugar on top?
Posted by: Adena | July 27, 2010 at 07:37 AM
Haha on the burning questions.
Posted by: Jen | July 27, 2010 at 09:39 AM
Do you know yet when Midnight in Austenland will be coming out? No pressure, but I love the title too, and want it right NOW. Just kidding. Eat your steak. You deserve a break.
But really, can you say when it's coming out? :) Is that annoying to ask?
Posted by: Dr. Sallie N. Cheinsteen | July 27, 2010 at 10:08 AM
What is a day in the life of Shannon Hale? How do you handle writing with two kids? (I won't ask about four because I bet you'll climb that mountain when you get to it...)
Posted by: Jer | July 27, 2010 at 01:35 PM
How many hours go into a book? Do you often change the story a lot after you've written several drafts?
Posted by: Amber Powers | July 27, 2010 at 04:18 PM
Have you experienced the "out of synch" hiccups yet?? My co-workers (and my daughter) couldn't keep their hands off when both babies were hiccuping at the same time, but in different rhythms - like little jungle drums in there!
Posted by: Twinsideout.wordpress.com | July 27, 2010 at 06:36 PM
Do you know when the audiobook of Forest Born will be released? I love listening to them on my IPOD while I clean and ignore the fighting little children in the background :-).
Posted by: ashley | July 27, 2010 at 08:49 PM
Repeating Adena's question/request... :)
Come to Israel!! (Please?)
Posted by: BigHugeFan | July 28, 2010 at 02:28 AM
I absolutely love your blog. It's inspiring to someone like me who writes nearly all the time...and you're so funny :] Books of Bayern are some of my favorite books in the entire world. I'm completely in love with Razo >:D
Posted by: Chelsea | July 28, 2010 at 08:51 AM
I think Little Red from Little Red Reading Hood once made a Forest Born cover in the style of Alison Jay.
Posted by: Rinna-Girl | July 28, 2010 at 09:46 AM
Here's my burning question: Why are you so gosh darn awesome?
That is all.
Posted by: Calliope1of9 | July 28, 2010 at 11:04 AM
I never new you were having twins!I've atcually always wanted to have twins.I was wondering...do you get stressed out frequently with being a mom,a wife and an author?And also how do you manage to get such beatiful words on paper?....I get so excited about writting sometimes I completly go blank and I have to pace in my rooom to get my words flowing again.And will you be writting another YA book again soon...ish..?
Posted by: Princess Luna | July 28, 2010 at 08:31 PM
Soory but I forgot to ask,any chance you can come to Reno to sign books?
Posted by: Princess Luna | July 28, 2010 at 08:39 PM
One more question, How do YOU rewrite? I think I have a good system worked out, but I'd like to hear how the professional's do it, :D.
Posted by: Princess Loucida | July 29, 2010 at 08:46 AM
I've read on your blog how much you love graphic novels, and so I decided to try them out. And the more I read, the more I love them! (I heart Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack!) I was wondering if you had any suggestions for more good graphic novels. (Not only good story-wise, but also good "ratings"-wise.) Any ideas?
Posted by: Carlie Stevens | July 29, 2010 at 01:50 PM
Will you be writing a sequel to Princess Academy or Book of a Thousand Days?
Posted by: Superfan | July 30, 2010 at 01:36 PM
You graphic novels are a huge hit at our house. They are "the gift" when our kids give books to their friends. My son was a reluctant reader until Rapunzel's Revenge opened the door to graphic novels for him. I have enjoyed other graphic novels you've suggested here on your blog. Outer Suburbia was one I loved. Any new graphic novels you've loved lately? Any graphic novels in your far future? (Congratulations on the twins.:>)
Posted by: Robyn | July 31, 2010 at 10:23 AM
heeey!!!!
i just wanted to tell you that you are so darn awesome and keep writing 4ever!!!!!! One request tho... cld u PLEEEEEASE write a fifth book of bayern???? it would be a dream come through!!!! :)
Posted by: rinna-girl | August 02, 2010 at 01:04 AM
What else do you want with your medium-rare steak?
Posted by: Je Reve | August 02, 2010 at 09:58 AM
how many kids do you have/will have as of next year and what are their names?
Posted by: mirigirl | August 02, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Dear Shannon Hale,
I recently re-read The Goose Girl for the first time in many years. For some reason, the way you talked about 'people-speak' stuck with me. I noticed that certain people have a sort of charisma that makes people want to be friends with them and allows them to do things that would otherwise be considered unacceptable. I was just wondering if you had had past experiences that prompted you to include people-speaking in your book.
Posted by: S.M.T. | August 02, 2010 at 08:30 PM
Can you tell me you email so I can email you? I tried through contact but my computer won't let me. Thanks for your fantastic books!
Posted by: KDF | August 03, 2010 at 03:57 PM
I'm glad you wrote when Forest Born is coming out in paper back. I've been looking all over for one. Quick question for you: will you be writing another graphic novel? A sequel to Calamity Jack, maybe? I love your graphic novels... I've read them at least five times each!
Posted by: Emma | August 04, 2010 at 08:25 AM
There are a lot of things I'd like to steal from Libba Bray. Like her genius funny brain.
Posted by: Katie-wa | August 04, 2010 at 03:18 PM
I already asked you this question in e-mail, but are the other countries in the Goose Girl series based on actual places? I was thinking Ireland for Kel and Greece for Tira.
Posted by: Christy | August 06, 2010 at 11:38 AM
I enjoyed this blog. Thanks again Shannon!:)
--Raindrops
Posted by: Raindrops | August 07, 2010 at 08:05 PM
How come the River Secrets book doesn't just have the water speaker?
Posted by: aax | August 14, 2010 at 04:16 PM
Are you going to try to write a mud speaker book?
Posted by: aax | August 14, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Will Rinna in the Forest Born book ever return to the city to join her girls?
Posted by: aax | August 14, 2010 at 04:21 PM
I just LOVE your books!!! I hope you write another one for young adult soon.
Posted by: aax | August 14, 2010 at 04:23 PM
Do you think Bettin can be one of the four girls?
Posted by: yakx | August 15, 2010 at 12:52 PM
How come every cover except for River Secrets only has one person? Why didn't you make the covers of Forest Born, Enna Burning, and The Goose Girl be paired up too?
Posted by: yakx | August 16, 2010 at 08:48 AM
I'm trying to keep a collection on a word document of what books I read from you. Please write MORE!
Posted by: aax | August 19, 2010 at 07:34 PM
Probe not included ha-ha!!
Ohh! No covers by Alison Jay? I loved the covers she did!!! Like a painted plate that was shattered then glued back together!
very, very pretty in my opinion. Good luck with those twins by the way!
Posted by: BethBEAS | August 20, 2010 at 05:38 PM
What are you going to the twins?
Posted by: yakx | August 22, 2010 at 11:05 AM
Sorry for the mistake!!! When are you going to have the twins?
Posted by: yaks | August 24, 2010 at 03:30 PM
I love the Bayern series and I would be so depressed if you didn't continue on I would be so depressed. Please, Please, dobt stop and I think I speak for everyone here!
Posted by: a | February 13, 2012 at 06:40 PM