MMGM Links (11/30/15)

Couple of quick updates before I get to MMGM.

First, today is the last day to take advantage of my Black Swagday giveaway--which is also the last swag giveaway I'll be doing for several months. For details on how it works, go HERE.

Also, I haven't added this to my event page because it was a bit uncertain at points. But for those wondering, yes, I WILL be in Paris for Salon de Livre in Montreuil. I'm still getting the final details from Lumen (my publisher) on when all my signings and interviews are. But I can say I'll be at the Book Fair on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (December 4-6). And they've made some awesome posters and buttons as giveaways, so if you'll be in Paris, I hope to see you there! A

Related to that--I can't guarantee that there will be an MMGM roundup next week. I'll TRY, but between the nine hour time difference, a zillion events, and spotty wi-fi, there's a decent chance it might not happen. Apologies in advance if that's the case and thanks for bearing with me. Things will be back to normal the following week once I'm back in the States.

Okay, on to the MMGM links!

- Walker Pent joins the MMGM fun with a feature on his top three favorite middle grade books. Click HERE to welcome him to the group.  

- Destined for Weirdness also joins the MMGM fun with a feature on CORNELIA AND THE AUDACIOUS ESCAPADES OF THE SOMERSET SISTERS. Click HERE to see why. 

- Mark Baker is raving about the HALF UPON A TIME trilogy. Click HERE to see what he thought.   

- Suzanne Warr has an interview with Andrew S. Chilton and a GIVEAWAY of THE GOBLIN'S PUZZLE.  Click HERE for all the fun.

- Patricia Tilton is championing EDWARD'S EYES. Click HERE for her review.

- Greg Pattridge is cheering for IMAGINARY BOY.  Click HERE to read his thoughts. 

- Andrea Mack is spotlighting MINRS. Click HERE to see why.

- Jess at The Reading Nook is highlighting ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN. Click HERE for her feature. 

- Mary Kincaid is featuring THE KEEPING ROOM. Click HERE to see why. 

 - Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!   

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.   

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (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 it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)

If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*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 reviews 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. 

Time for the Black Swagday Giveaway Extravaganza!!!

I can't believe it's already time for my annual Black Swagday Giveaway--but.... *double checks calendar*....Yep! THE TIME HAS COME!

(*whispers* If anyone can figure out how to pause time, that'd be AWESOME. kthanxbai)

Since this is the time of year where everyone has gifts on their minds--and I personally feel that books are THE BEST gifts anyone can give--I love doing this giveaway to help you guys make your gifts even more special (and btw--gifts for yourself totally count). But it only lasts for a few days so don't miss your chance!

So here's how this works.

If you buy any of my books (Keeper of the Lost Cities, Exile, Everblaze, Neverseen, Let the Sky Fall, and/or Let the Storm Break*) this weekend--which just so happens to be the biggest shopping weekend of the year, between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday--and fill out the form at the end of this post, I will send you the corresponding swag pack below.

*I'm not including pre-orders of Let the Wind Rise because I'll be doing a separate giveaway for that closer to the book's release

And here's what's up for grabs:

If you buy any of the KEEPER books and fill out the form, I'll send you this*:

- a signed bookplate 
- a signed, limited edition Verdi art print
- a Black Swan sticker
- a 5x7 character art print (featuring the awesome illustrations by Courtney Godbey)


AND, if you buy more than one KEEPER book, I'll throw in extra goodies as well--and if you want an example of what some of those goodies could be, here's a pic:

(Obviously you won't get everything you see in this pic--but you'll get some of it, chosen randomly at mailing. And the more books you buy, the more you'll get)


And if you buy LET THE SKY FALL and fill out the form, I'll send you this*:

- a LTSF signed bookplate

- a LTSF bookmark

- a LTSF sticker
- a Keep Calm and Let the Sky Fall sticker

AND if you buy LET THE STORM BREAK and fill out the form, I'll send you this*:

 - a LTSB signed bookplate

- a LTSB bookmark

- a LTSB sticker 
- a Keep Calm and Let the Storm Break sticker


All of this swag is only available here and hand signed by me!
*And should supplies run out of any particular item, it will be substituted with a comparable piece of swag

Everyone who fills out the form below between today (11/25/15)  and 11:59 pm pacific time on Monday, 11/30/15 WILL get their swag mailed to whatever address they provide. I'll do my best to have them in the mail straight away, so that you get it in time for whatever you're celebrating. No proof of purchase required. If you say you bought it, I believe you. But remember, every time you lie, it makes Keefe, Fitz, and Dex cry.

It also doesn't matter where you buy the book (though supporting your Local Indie Bookstore guarantees you a life of sunshine and happiness) or if you buy a paperback or a hardcover (ebooks and audiobooks count too!). And you're welcome to buy as many books as you want! (Just make sure you fill out the form accordingly so I know to send you the proper amount of swag).

Giveaway is also open internationally!!!

**Please note** This giveaway ONLY applies to books purchased between 11/25/15-11/30/15, and does NOT include books previously purchased. Of course I super-appreciate if you've bought my books before now, but I've also done previous giveaways that you would've had a chance to take part in (sorry if you missed them). So this is only for new purchases, and if you are desperate for the swag, you could always buy a book to give as a gift (what better gift could there be, really?) and keep the swag for yourself--I won't tell! :)

Um... I *think* that covers everything--but if I missed something, of course feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments (but make sure you leave those comments in the post on my website, not on goodreads or any of the other places this blog feeds out to, otherwise I won't see them). 

**GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED AND THE FORM HAS BEEN REMOVED**

MMGM Links (11/23/15)

Ha--for the first time in weeks I don't have a zillion updates to hit you with. But I will say that I have a fun giveaway coming up on Wednesday, so you might want to check back then.

On to the MMGM links!

- Kim Aippersbach has 5 short reviews of 5 funny books. Click HERE to see what they are.

- Cindy Reads A Lot is cheering for THE TAPPER TWINS GO TO WAR (WITH EACH OTHER). Click HERE to see why. 

- Mark Baker is spotlighting ASTRONAUTS, SPIES, AND HIPPOPOTAMI--A STUART GIBBS COLLECTION. Click HERE to see what he thought.   

- Suzanne Warr is thrilled by SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS: THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS. Click HERE to find her feature. 

- Rosi Hollinbeck is reading--and GIVING AWAY--MISTER MAX: THE BOOK OF KINGS. Click HERE for details.

- Greg Pattridge is seeing life through THE DIAMOND LOOKING GLASS. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 

- Carl at Boys Rule Boys Read has a list of bookish things he's thankful for. Click HERE to see what they are.

- Jess at The Reading Nook is raving about THE WRINKLED CROWN. Click HERE for her feature. 

- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.   

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!   

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (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 it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)

If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*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 reviews 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. 

MMGM Links (11/16/15)

Home from tour! (OMG I AM SO TIRED). But I still have ONE final NEVERSEEN event in SoCal this coming Friday. Here's the details, if you're in the area:

Friday November 20

6pm

Barnes & Noble Oceanside

2615 Vista Way

Oceanside, CA 92054

t.

Okay--on to the MMGM links!

- The Paige Turner is out of her mind for OUT OF MY MIND. Click HERE to read her review. 

- Cindy Reads A Lot is featuring THE ALCHEMIST'S THEOREM: SIR DUFFY'S PROMISE. Click HERE to see why. 

- Mark Baker has chills for THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN. Click HERE to see what he thought.   

- Mary Kincaid is spotlighting THE WALK ON. Click HERE to find her feature. 

- Rosi Hollinbeck is reading--and GIVING AWAY--a THE DISAPPEARANCE OF EMILY H. Click HERE for details.

- Greg Partridge is going on a journey to MOONPENNY ISLAND. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 

- Andrea Mack wants everyone to CONNECT THE STARS. Click HERE to see why. 

- Dorine White has a special announcement about her series. Click HERE to check it out.

- Jess at The Reading Nook is gushing about A TALE OF HIGHLY UNUSUAL MAGIC. Click HERE for her feature. 

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!  

- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.     

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (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 it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)

If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*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 reviews 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. 

MMGM Links (11/9/15)

Greetings from Arizona!

Yep--still touring. I still have two events left--one you see below, and one in Idaho Falls on Friday, 11/13 at 6pm (see my events page for further details)

And if you're planning on coming to the Changing Hands event tomorrow, don't forget that we're doing something special at that event. Everyone who comes wearing a cape will get a special EXCLUSIVE swaggish button you can see in the photo below, which I haven't given out anywhere else (and don't worry about feeling silly--I'll totally be wearing a cape too!) 

 b

Lots of you are also asking about when you'll get your swag pack from the NEVERSEEN pre-order giveaway, and the answer is SOON. I promise they'll go in the mail as soon as I'm home from tour to assemble them. In the meantime, thanks for your patience.

Also, if you missed the pre-order giveaway, you still have a way to get a swag pack--but only through 11/10. If you call Changing Hands and order a signed copy of NEVERSEEN by 7pm (AZ time), or place an order through their website (go HERE). Any books purchased through Changing Hands will not only come with the swag pack everyone got through the pre-order giveaway, but it'll come with the extra character art postcard and the alicorn button too. But this offer only lasts through tomorrow so better jump on it if you don't want to miss out.

Okay--on to the MMGM links! (And sorry if I missed you. I have another EARLY day tomorrow so I'm scrambling a bit)

- Mark Baker is featuring another one of my books, so once again I must put on my Shameless Author Hat. But this time he's reviewing NEVERSEEN (eeeeeee, I have yet to read any reviews for the book!!!) Click HERE to see what he thought.   

- Michael Gettel-Gilmarten is *also* making me put on my Shameless Author Hat, with a post this week called "I met Shannon Messenger"--which he did! It's always so fun to meet people who follow this blog. HERE's his thoughts on the experience.

- Carl at Boys Rule Boys Read has a blast from the past with THE LAST RIVER . Click HERE for his feature.

- Greg Pattridge wants everyone to go with him on THE WORST CLASS TRIP EVER. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 

- Sheri Larson has a guest post from author Sean Cummings, and a GIVEAWAY of TO CATCH A CAT THIEF. Click HERE for all the fun. 

- Kim Aippersbach once again has two features: WISH GIRL and MY LIFE IN DIORAMAS. Click HERE to see what she thought. 

- Suzanne Warr is gushing about THE VOLCANO GODDESS WILL SEE YOU NOW. Click HERE for her review.

- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.    

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (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 it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)

If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*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 reviews 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. 

I now give you....NEVERSEEN!!!!

I can't believe we've finally reached that time again, guys. NEVERSEEN officially launches into the world today!!!!

*unleashes the confetti cannons*

I know some of you have already gotten your copies at my pre-launch events--and thank you in advance for not posting spoilers in the comments on here if that's the case. But for the rest of you, TODAY IS THE DAY where once again, Sophie's story becomes yours.

I've held onto it for all these months, refusing to answer your spoilerish questions, and now I hand it over to you--all 688 pages! (!!!!)

Launching a book is always such an indescribable process--somehow equal parts exciting and humbling and heartwarming and terrifying. And those emotions only seem to get stronger with each book I add to the series, because I know how deeply invested all of you are in the world and characters of the Lost Cities.

I've done my best to do the story justice, and I truly hope you love the book as much as I do. I hope you laugh and cry and want to throw the book across the room and then hug it and reread again. It has some moments you've been waiting for--and maybe some you were even expecting--and probably several others you never saw coming. But whether you're surprised, or thinking I KNEW IT, I hope you're just as excited by the possibilities as I am.

And yes, I know that because of [redacted for spoilers] you're all going to be EXTRA impatient for book 5--and yes, you DO have to wait another year. I wish there were a way to pour the story out of my head and onto the page. But since I'm stuck wrestling it out the old fashioned way, thank you for your patience.

And thank you for reading. And for buying my book, or requesting it at your library, or posting about it on your social media, or posting reviews on amazon and goodreads and Barnes and Noble,  All of those things are the reason this series keeps on growing. It's also why I dedicated the book to you:

I hope to meet as many of you as I can while I'm on the road. If you're in Seattle, San Jose, Tempe, or Idaho Falls, I'm coming to see you--here's where you can find me (you can also find a full list HERE):

And I still have some awesome giveaways and whatnot in the weeks ahead. (Oh, and if you took part in the pre-order swag giveaway, don't worry, your swag will be in the mail as soon as I'm home from touring!) 

Okay, I think that's enough Shannon-rambling for one day--especially since you guys have a VERY THICK BOOK to read. Keep the tissues handy. And for those having to wait, here's a word cloud with the most commonly used words in the book (once you read, you'll understand why I made it shaped like a tree)

Happy reading!!!

MMGM Links (11/2/15)

Greetings from Portland!

Yep--believe it or not, I'm already on tour. So if you haven't checked my events page yet, here's where you can find me over the next couple of weeks:

Also, today is the LAST DAY to get your free swag through the NEVERSEEN pre-order giveaway. It ends tonight at 11:59pm (PT)  so if you haven't taken advantage yet, click HERE. (and then the swag packs will go in the mail as soon as I'm home from tour to assemble them)

And um, tomorrow? NEVER SEEN OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES INTO THE WORLD (though I know some of you lucky ducks found early copies in your stores). It's my twistiest book yet, so I really hope you enjoy.

Okay--on to the MMGM links! (And sorry if I missed you. I have an EARLY day tomorrow so I'm putting this post together earlier than normal. Doing my best to fit in ALL THE THINGS whilst on the road--and on deadline)

- Mark Baker is featuring ... *meep* the KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES series! (I always feel so shameless when I link reviews of my own books... But, there you go.) Click HERE to see what he thought.   

- Patricia Tilton joins the MMGM fun with a feature on CONNECTING THE DOTS. Click HERE to welcome her to the group! 

- Carl at Boys Rule Boys Read is raving about BUNNICULA. Click HERE for his feature.

- Greg Pattridge is spotlighting EPIC ZERO. Click HERE to read his thoughts. 

- Sally's Bookshelf is cheering for LAST-BUT-NOT-LEAST LOLA AND THE CUPCAKE QUEENS. Click HERE to find her review.  

- Kim Aippersbach has two features: THE NEST and CLOVER'S LUCK. Click HERE to see why. 

- Rosi Hollinbeck is reviewing--and GIVING AWAY--LINCOLN'S SPYMASTER: ALLEN PINKERTON, AMERICA'S FIRST PRIVATE EYE. Click HERE for details.

- Dorine White is gushing about THE TURTLE TWINS AND THE CREATURE FROM JEKYLL ISLAND. Click HERE to see why.

- The Mundie Moms are always huge supporters of middle grade. Click HERE for their Mundie Kids site.    

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time! 

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.  

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love on a Monday (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 it gets sorted accurately--and please don't forget to say what book you're featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday. (usually before 11pm PST is safe--but if I'm traveling it can vary. When in doubt, send early!) (Also make sure the post you send me is a new post, not one from earlier in the week. I try to keep the content fresh)

If you miss the cutoff, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you, but I will not have time to update the post. Same goes for typos/errors on my part. I do my best to build the links correctly, but sometimes deadline-brain gets the best of me, and I'm sorry if it does. For those wondering why I don't use a Linky-widget instead, it's a simple matter of internet safety. The only way I can ensure that all the links lead to safe, appropriate places for someone of any age is if I build them myself. It's not a perfect system, but it allows me to keep better control.

Thank you so much for being a part of this awesome meme, and spreading the middle grade love!

*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 reviews 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.