HAPPY NEW YEAR! THIS IS THE FIRST POST OF THE NEW YEAR AND WHAT A WAY TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A SERIES BY SHANNON GREENLAND! AWARD-WINNING YA SPY SERIES COMES TO E-READERS
Penguin Publishing brings back Shannon Greenland’s The Specialists, featuring girl tech genius GiGi, after successful paperback release NEW YORK, NY – October 2012 – Shannon Greenland’s award-winning teen spy series The Specialists is brought back to the spotlight after six years in paperback. The 5-book series releases on Kindle, Nook and all e-readers this winter from Penguin Publishing. Inspired from the hit television show Alias, Greenland’s book series begins with Model Spy (originally debuted in 2007) when 16-year-old Kelly James is caught uncovering top-secret information for her irresistibly cute and nice friend David. Rather than serve a jail sentence, she accepts the option to change her identity and enlist in a government spy agency that trains teen agents. Instantly, Kelly Spree, a.k.a. girl genius GiGi, is born and sent on her first mission as an undercover model with a partner she’s surprised to find as an agent himself. The Specialists e-book release comes on the heels of Penguin’s publication of Greenland’s stand-alone novel The Summer My Life Began, which was chosen as a Hot YA Read by the She Knows Book Lounge, and devoured by librarians who called it “terrific” (School Library Journal) and “a breeze to get through; light and entertaining” (Texas librarian Jen Bigheart). Greenland’s impressive nine-book career – she also previously released three romantic suspense novels – has earned her awards from National Booksellers, Romantic Times, National Readers Choice, American Library Association, Daphne du Maurier and many more prestigious literary organizations. “Brilliant,” Kidz World; “Greenland makes you ride along, and I love it!” Echelon Press; “Hours of good reading,” Scribes World; “The imagery used to twine the characters lives is amazing,” Writers Unlimited; “Sure to surprise,” The Readers Studio; “Witty and very adventurous. Readers will not be disappointed,” Teens Read – are just a snippet of the high-praised comments Greenland has received for her writing. Readers can grab a copy of any of Greenland’s novels wherever books are sold or downloaded. The Specialists Series is also available in audio book format. ~Guest Post By Shannon Greenlend ~ I wasn’t really even a reader at all until a friend of mine dumped a load of historical romances on my door. I reluctantly, let me repeat that, reluctantly picked one up and found myself quickly in the middle of a 400 page novel. I moved on to the next and then the next and soon did a pilgrimage to the library. I was 28 and hadn’t a library card since elementary school. Go figure. I cruised my way through the historical romance section in the library and then moved on to contemporary and finally found my frenzy in suspense novels. I got to the point where I had read my local library’s inventory and was a frequent of the inter-library loan program. What was weird though was that in the middle of reading I would put down my book and start day dreaming my own stories. Soon after that I picked up a pencil and a pad of paper and started to write. Hence was born Discovering Veronica, my very first novel. I joined a writer’s organization, started going to meetings and workshops, and learned how I was really supposed to be writing. I went back to the drawing board, rewrote that first novel, and went on to write two more romantic suspense for adults. It was my critique partner that said, “Shannon, you really have a young voice. Why don’t you try writing Young Adult novels?” I balked at the idea. Teens? I don’t know how to write for teens. But like that first novel, I sat down one day, and before I knew it, I’d written 100+ pages of Model Spy, which launched The Specialists series that now has five books in it. Looking back on it all, I’m glad I travelled the road I did and I’m SO happy I found my voice in teen. Frankly, I can’t imagine writing for any other readers. I love the genre and I love my fans. Shannon Greenland dreaded reading and writing as a kid. Ironic, as she’s now a successful award-winning author. Her 5-book series for young adults, The Specialists, as well as her other novels, received such honors as National Booksellers Best, Daphne du Maurier and Romantic Times recognition, National Readers Choice, CAPA nominee, Aspen Gold Readers Choice Award, Holt Medallion and the Popular Paperback award from the American Library Association. Penguin Publishing launched Greenland’s latest novel The Summer My Life Began in May 2012, and brings her entire spy series to e-form this winter. When not writing, Shannon’s eager for adventure outside of a book’s pages. Hiking, rafting, climbing, caving, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, surfing, mountain biking, spelunking, canoeing, power lifting, running, camping, para sailing . . . she’s done it all. Originally from Tennessee, the world traveler divides her time between Florida and Virginia where she mentors, tutors, and teaches math and gives authors talks at area schools. Website: ShannonGreenland.com Twitter: @ShannonGreenlan Facebook: Shannon Greenland Goodreads: Shannon Greenland