In this episode, Shannon shares about growing up in a deeply conservative culture and how writing unearthed her true voice from where it had been simmering beneath the surface. We discuss everything from anxiety to the family cat to boys’ relationship with the color pink. Oh, and we have a special visitor, Shannon’s husband and co-creator, Dean Hale, to discuss their combined writing journeys!
"I feel like it was this little miracle that in some areas of my life, I'm shutting myself up and shutting myself down. But with my writing, I was always really connecting with that inner voice." - Shannon Hale
Flaws. We do everything to hide them away and pretend they don’t exist. But what if these flaws that we try so desperately to mask are exactly what we need to access our power, our story? How does one tap into it? How does one express the very things they tried so hard to hide? For Shannon Hale, it was writing. By picking up the pen, Shannon discovered her voice, purpose, and true, messy, loveable self.
As Shannon puts it, “If my gravestone simply said ‘Author of The Princess in Black,’ I would be happy.” Caregivers for young kids likely know Shannon and her husband, Dean Hale, as the authors of the beloved bestselling “Princess in Black” series featuring a princess with a secret superhero identity. The books have turned countless kids into avid readers, and Shannon has an endless list of anecdotes to show it. But her career spans far beyond the series. Shannon is an acclaimed author who is celebrated for her children's and young adult novels, such as the Newbery Honor-winning "Princess Academy" and her memoir graphic novel “Real Friends” series.
Taking inspiration from her series, “The Princess in Black,” for Shannon's reading challenge, Early Chapter Books, she’s put together a list of thoughtful and engaging early chapter books for all readers. Take a look at the list below!
Download the free reading challenge worksheet, or view the challenge materials on our helpdesk.