This year on squeetus

The revelation of my Super Secret Project. Yes, I have confidence I will be able to talk about it this year, sooner than later. Once I can talk about it, I'll have lots and lots of fun info to share!  Fingers crossed.

More baby photos! Lest you think I'm neglecting my older two kids, I don't post photos of them once they're old enough that they're not by my side all the time. But my babies you can ogle all year long. Naturally I assume everyone wants to see pictures of my babies. I'm THAT kind of mother.

A debt to pay: Judy Torres and Carter M won the A Book for Every Child auction and raffle to be featured in a squeetus post. I'm slow fulfilling that debt, so I'll do so next post.

Details on Midnight in Austenland - cover art, first chapter, release date, and hopefully ARC contests (if I get some to give away).

Really Cool News. I don't know when I'll be able to share this either, but most likely before summer, and it will make some of you very happy.

More Really Cool News. This one I can tell you in March. (Free stuff for all!)

Bloomsbury will be doing cool giveaways of my books and other stuff all year long. I'll post here whenever I know stuff. Also you can "like" the Facebook fan page to get in on the giveaways.

I haven't done any Squeetus Exclusive interviews for awhile, but I'll work on that. I love hosting some of my favorite authors here.

While I don't have a book coming out in 2011, my husband does. Yes, Dean has his own picture book, Scapegoat, coming out in June. We'll do some cool stuff for that. Maybe podcasts too.

And details of the ongoing epic battle, Me vs. Daisy Danger Brown manuscript. Here's one thought: The difficulty writing any draft/book directly correlates to how much time my brain spends thinking about it. If it's only on my mind when I'm actually writing, I'm sunk.

Comments

[Jennifer (An Abundance of Books)]

My students are loving the Rapunzel and Jack books and have been demanding a third installment. I told them there wasn't much I could do about that, but I'd ask anyway. :)

[Jena]

Exciting post! Congrats to Dean.

[Sarah]

Yes! Everyone wants to see pictures of your babies! EVERYONE! Or, well, maybe just me. But I appreciate them anyway!

[megwrites]

No more teasers about the Super Secret Project! I want to know now! Okay, okay I guess I can wait a little longer.
That is so awesome that Dean has a book coming out. Go Hale family!

[Alexandra Wood]

Sounds exciting. I'm waiting... =)

[Christen]

Right on, Sarah. :) Dinah and Wren are just the cutest little girls I've ever seen!

Ooh, I'm so excited about all of this upcoming news... I don't know how I'm going to contain myself. :D

[Small Rock]

All these hints are driving me nuts! But I'm pretty sure it will be worth the wait and itch of curiosity. :)

[Allegra]

Oooh...very exciting. I can't wait to hear the "Really Cool News." I'll be checking back here a lot.
I agree with you on that last thought on writing. The stories I write usually only work out if they are dominating my brain 90% of the time. This leads to great stories (in my humble opinion :)) but a definite downfall in my other day to day activities. Ah, well, some things are worth it.

[Carrie Jo]

I am so sorry if everyone says this to you and you get sick of hearing it (I am new to your books/blog), but could some of the cool news be a new Bayern book? That would make my year--at least as far as someone else's new books coming out.

What would REALLY be great is if the literary agent reviewing my manuscript would decide to represent me and I had a book coming out, BUT I don't think you have any control over that. I mainly mentioned it to thank you for all the great information you have on your web site about the publishing process. It helped during my research phase.

And to get back to you, since this is your blog and all...your girls are simply adorable, and of course we want to see their pictures!

[Bookworm :)]

I agree, PLEASE write another Bayern Book!!! I WOULD LOVE THAT!

[Elinor]

I'm in agony! Too many hints. You are cruel, Shannon....:)

[Dassie]

I am DYING to get my hands on Austenland.

PLEASE send me an ARC of Midnight in Austenland!!!!

[Kelly C.]

Yes, of course we want to see pictures of your babies. (They are soooooooo cute!)I love the pictures, thank you Shannon!
I'm trying to write a novel, (it's slow and my writing really isn't very good at all yet, but I'm getting there)and your website is an AWESOME inspiration! Every time I get discouraged I come onto your website and read. It heartens me and lifts my mood.
You are a genius! Very wise and thank you for taking time to write the wonderful novels you do and this wonderfully helpful website! You're my role model!
And congrats to Dean!

[JenelC]

Wow, an ambitious year for the mom and dad of twins! Your list certainly helps me want to stay motivated on my own "to do" list.

[LessieB]

Looking forward to all of the big news. It is all very exciting and the suspense is killing.

[PrincessLoucida]

SSP!

[Kim]

Yay! This will be a good year!

[Caroline]

I'm especially excited about the SSP and the really cool news. =D

[Je Reve]

I can't wait for all the fun this year!

[Miss Erin]

Ahhh, so much to look forward to!! And Dean's book looks great.

[Madeleine]

Sounds absolutely great! This is the first time I've posted on your blog but I adore your books and love reading about lds authors because that's what I'm (hoping) to be when I grow up! Your twins are adorable, and please keep writing! I love your books!

[Hannah]

I can not wait for everything! So much stuff to be excited for!

[Renae]

Shannon - I know my little neighbor wants another graphic novel. Here is her mom's comment about her daughter's LOVE of RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE: http://www.seagullfountain.com/2011/01/22/odds-and-weekends/

Scroll down if you don't want to read the entire post and you will see Avery and RAPUNZEL.

[Julie]

This is fantastic. No other words.

By the way, happy birthday, Shannon! :) This morning's edition of Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac was very nearly dedicated to you! (Ellen DeGeneres was a close second.)

[Libbi]

Oh, shannon, you're keeping me in suspense with all this promised ultra cool news. Cant wait to hear it!

[yaks]

Plz post more pictures of your babies!!!

[beasbeth]

I agree, Bookworm!!!!
Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaase let it be another books of bayern novel (and if not, well, a girl can dream)!!!! Ooooooh, the suspense is killing me here!!! I keep bouncing in my seat!

[Julianne]

Hi, Shannon hale,

Congrats to Dean, I was wondering if you'd read the fairy tale- Bluecrest. Its one of my faves. Please read it sometime!

P.S: Ur babies are cuuuute!

[Dove]

I just spent the last few minutes looking back in your bolg for any and all pictures of your babies. I have not been on your blog for a long time, and I did not even know thay you were expecting! They are soooo sweet.