"Shiver" Author Returns to W&M Bookstore with Sequel

By Amber Lester Tuesday, July 20, 2010

In the past 11 months, Virginia native Maggie Stiefvater has released her first novel printed by a major publisher, seen it debut on the New York Times best-seller list and sold the movie rights.

For the 12th month of the year, Stiefvater will start the ride all over again, as she releases her sequel to her widely praised young adult book, “Shiver.” The author will herald the release of “Linger” at 5 p.m. today at the William and Mary bookstore in Merchants Square.

Stiefvater, 27, spent part of her childhood living in Ford’s Colony and attending Walsingham Academy. She now lives with her two children and husband on the Northern Neck.

In August, Stiefvater visited Williamsburg to release “Shiver,” which tells the story of Grace and Sam, two teenagers living in Minnesota who fall in love despite a big difference: Sam turns into a werewolf every winter. The book featured a pivotal scene that took place in a beautiful candy shop, modeled after Wythe Candy in Colonial Williamsburg.

After its release, “Shiver” debuted in ninth place on the New York Times’ Best Sellers List and caught the eye of movie producers Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, partners in Unique Features. Unique Features is a production company associated with Warner Brothers that has produced “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Golden Compass” and “Hairspray.” The movie, slated for release in 2012, will be written by Nick Pustay, who recently adapted beloved children’s’ book “Ramona and Beezus” for the big screen.

Stiefvater’s second novel of the two-book deal with Scholastic picks up where “Shiver” left off — following Sam as he adjusts to life after finding a cure just as Grace begins to feel uncomfortable in her own skin. Readers on Amazon.com are already praising the book for surpassing all expectations and going deeper into the relationships between the characters.

Fans planning to attend the book launch today can meet the author and enter a raffle to win a Yamaha acoustic guitar decorated by Stiefvater with artwork depicting characters from the books. The guitar is in reference to Sam, who is a musician in the novels.

To learn more about Stiefvater, click here.