tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623222344583357832024-03-12T19:10:55.836-04:00Some Things I Think...A place where I write about writing and life and share some things I think.K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comBlogger412125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-37918655980605267692017-09-15T17:03:00.001-04:002018-08-30T15:12:40.113-04:00I think this might be my last post hereSigh. This will probably be my last post here. I haven't posted a single thing since last March, so. It's kinda sad. This blog is what helped me become the author I am today. I learned mountains and mountains of information from my fellow bloggers, many of whom remain my friends to this very day. <br />
<br />
But people change, times change, and I have moved on.<br />
<br />
Good news though, you can keep up with me and my books by visiting <a href="http://kmwalton.com/">kmwalton.com</a>. I update my site regularly. I promise.<br />
<br />
Farewell to anyone reading this (probably no one, ha!). "See you" on the interwebs.K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-85533890835002190182017-03-08T13:57:00.001-05:002017-03-08T13:57:45.266-05:00UPCOMING EVENTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just in case anyone visits my blog, here are the places/events where I'll be over the next few months. Exciting, exciting times!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxXBJCRtAKiE46izMZbfXgHUTtZq0gIv1kJuHDIyHqsadeLcpGTyHM68AVw4zVEVn948cgAJD7oLdkUyD28DsN_qc6dMmvieNEDowOiHjJlY-ZCWjyAFAICoYlhMwUe_IuEbpgMqiVns/s1600/upcoming+events.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxXBJCRtAKiE46izMZbfXgHUTtZq0gIv1kJuHDIyHqsadeLcpGTyHM68AVw4zVEVn948cgAJD7oLdkUyD28DsN_qc6dMmvieNEDowOiHjJlY-ZCWjyAFAICoYlhMwUe_IuEbpgMqiVns/s400/upcoming+events.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-22287028622144616172017-01-06T09:52:00.001-05:002017-01-06T14:15:02.693-05:00ULTIMATUM PRE-ORDER GIVEAWAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmadfM_WQXAhxD444P_SGy4CN8B7jzOgkSVMGPxyogNQhECwiMQGl1j28Lxm_jrcH2pZa8jIuNpIKDWz9i1jHP1bGqGIwaKe6k8wfD72TrfE0hKiZFYrvJvPPJx1p4Gy2h02dKFby94Q/s1600/pre+order+blogger+graphic+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmadfM_WQXAhxD444P_SGy4CN8B7jzOgkSVMGPxyogNQhECwiMQGl1j28Lxm_jrcH2pZa8jIuNpIKDWz9i1jHP1bGqGIwaKe6k8wfD72TrfE0hKiZFYrvJvPPJx1p4Gy2h02dKFby94Q/s400/pre+order+blogger+graphic+3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimatum-K-M-Walton/dp/1492635073/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">ULTIMATUM</a> Pre-order Giveaway!</span></strong></div>
<br />
First, to get you as excited as I am about ULTIMATUM, a little about my new contemporary young adult novel:<br />
<br />
A gripping, emotional story of two brothers who must make the ultimate decision about what’s more important—family or their differences.<br />
<br />
It’s not Oscar’s fault he’s misunderstood. Ever since his mother died, he’s been disrespected by his father and bullied by his self-absorbed older brother, so he withdraws from his fractured family, seeking refuge in his art.<br />
<br />
Vance wishes his younger brother would just loosen up and be cool. It was hard enough to deal with their mother’s death without Oscar getting all emotional. At least when Vance pushes himself in lacrosse and parties, he feels alive.<br />
<br />
But when alcoholism sends their father into liver failure, the two brothers must come face-to-face with their demons—and each other—if they are going to survive a very uncertain future.<br />
<br />
<strong>ULTIMATUM has received two incredible blurbs:</strong><br />
<br />
<em>“Wow, wow, wow. I am blown away by Ultimatum! I found this a powerful book—every minute of it was so painfully real. K.M. speaks her characters’ deep emotional truths.”</em> —James Howe, bestselling author of The Misfits <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p><em>"ULTIMATUM is a powerful, big-hearted read about two brothers who battle each other so hard there is no doubt they love each other. As you spiral through emotions, K.M. Walton will leave you marveling at the strength of their relationship, in good times and bad. The story of Oscar and Vance will make you want to grab your siblings, or anyone you count as family, in one very long bear-hug."</em> <br />—Anthony Breznican, author of BRUTAL YOUTH and senior writer at Entertainment Weekly</o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p><strong>And an editorial review</strong>:</o:p><br />
<o:p><em>“Walton creates flawed, realistic characters that invite readers to root for them even as they screw up their own lives and the lives of those around them. The back-and-forth structure told in alternating voices is accomplished and offers a deep look at the complex relationship between two brothers. A sweet look at an end-of-life moment that offers surprise even as the inevitable unfolds.”</em> -Kirkus</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
------------------------------------</div>
<br />
Now onto the details of this HUGE pre-order giveaway. It's easy! It's fun! And did I mention the prize packs are huge (and awesome ; )<br />
<br />
To enter, all you have to do is follow the easy Rafflecopter instructions below. <br />
<br />
By pre-ordering* <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimatum-K-M-Walton/dp/1492635073/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">ULTIMATUM</a> from the book retailer of your choice (feel free to click on the cover image in the top right to pre-order) <em>and</em> officially entering the giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget below you have a chance to win one of 12 incredible prize packs (!!!!) filled with cool, custom made swag and other amazing prizes.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>GRAND PRIZE PACK (<em>one</em> winner)</strong><br />*see photo of prize pack in Rafflecopter widget below*<br />• $25 BARNES & NOBLE GIFT CARD<br />• HANDWRITTEN TY NOTE FROM K.M. WALTON<br />• Signed copies of Cracked, Empty, and Two & Twenty Dark Tales (an anthology)<br />• CUSTOM MADE ROCK/PAPER/SCISSORS (RPS) NECKLACE<br />• SIGNED ULTIMATUM BOOKMARK<br />• RPS SOCKS<br />• SET OF RPS LOLLIPOPS (so you can play with a friend!)<br />• CUSTOM MADE ULTIMATUM T-SHIRT<br />• ULTIMATUM TEMPORARY TATTOO<br />• ULTIMATUM STICKER<br />• ULTIMATUM JOURNAL + PEN</span></o:p></div>
<strong>FIRST RUNNER UP PRIZE PACK (<em>one</em> winner)</strong><br />
*see photo of prize pack in Rafflecopter widget below*<br />
• $15 BARNES & NOBLE GIFT CARD<br />
• HANDWRITTEN TY NOTE FROM K.M. WALTON<br />
• SIGNED ULTIMATUM BOOKMARK<br />
• CUSTOM MADE RPS BRACELET<br />
• RPS SOCKS<br />
• SET OF RPS LOLLIPOPS (so you can play with a friend!)<br />
• ULTIMATUM TEMPORARY TATTOO<br />
• ULTIMATUM STICKER<br />
• ULTIMATUM JOURNAL + PEN<br />
<br />
<strong>SECOND RUNNER UP PRIZE PACK (<em>one</em> winner)</strong><br />
*see photo of prize pack in Rafflecopter widget below*<br />
• HANDWRITTEN TY NOTE FROM K.M. WALTON<br />
• SIGNED ULTIMATUM BOOKMARK<br />
• RPS SOCKS<br />
• ULTIMATUM TEMPORARY TATTOO<br />
• ULTIMATUM JOURNAL + PEN<br />
• ULTIMATUM STICKER<br />
• SET OF RPS LOLLIPOPS (so you can play with a friend!)<br />
<br />
<strong>THIRD RUNNER UP PRIZE PACKS (<em>nine </em>winners)</strong><br />
*see photo of prize pack in Rafflecopter widget below*<br />
• SIGNED ULTIMATUM BOOKMARK<br />
• ULTIMATUM TEMPORARY TATTOO<br />
• ULTIMATUM STICKER<br />
• ULTIMATUM JOURNAL + PEN<br />
<br />
All winners will be announced on 2/1/17 on <a href="https://twitter.com/KMWalton1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Follow me <a href="https://twitter.com/KMWalton1" target="_blank">@kmwalton1</a> to see if you won!<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
Thank you for pre-ordering <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimatum-K-M-Walton/dp/1492635073/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">ULTIMATUM</a>!<br />
<br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>*You can have pre-ordered ULTIMATUM prior to the start of this giveaway. Any pre-order date is fine : )<br />
<br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="6585e9244" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6585e9244/" id="rcwidget_kwt5zwvx" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-28148560661080052022016-09-27T19:23:00.004-04:002016-09-27T19:23:52.789-04:00Ultimatum Cover RevealOn the off chance I still have blog readers I thought I'd share the link to last week's exclusive cover reveal for my next contemporary young adult novel, <strong>ULTIMATUM</strong>.<br />
<br />
But first, seriously, if someone is reading this, *fist bump* for your support and sticking around this here neglected blog. While I'm at it, how about a hug, too? And a high -five.<br />
<br />
Too much?<br />
<br />
Moving on.<br />
<br />
I was thrilled that <a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/" target="_blank">Sourcebooks</a> organized the exclusive cover reveal over on <a href="http://www.yabookscentral.com/blog/it-s-live-cover-reveal-ultimatum-k-m-walton-giveaway-us-canada-only" target="_blank">YA Books Central.com</a>. <br />
<br />
Go see the amazing cover, learn about the book, read an excerpt, and enter the giveaway going on over there--prize is an annotated ARC of ULTIMATUM and $25 B & N gift card.<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://www.yabookscentral.com/blog/it-s-live-cover-reveal-ultimatum-k-m-walton-giveaway-us-canada-only" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
You can even pre-order ULTIMATUM -- click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimatum-K-M-Walton/dp/1492635073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474312196&sr=8-1&keywords=ultimatum+km+walton" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
And if you're on Goodreads, go ahead and add it to your TBR, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30095461-ultimatum" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by. <br />
<br />
K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-24295004923033099022015-10-28T09:31:00.000-04:002016-08-09T14:02:30.257-04:00Mighty Fine NewsI know I teased some of you on facebook back in July that I had "Mighty fine news" coming soon. I know this reveal doesn't fall into the "soon" category. I know. What can I say?<br />
<br />
<br />
I.<br />
<br />
Can.<br />
<br />
Say.<br />
<br />
This....<br />
<br />
<br />
It is with much rejoicing that I finally share my MIGHTY FINE NEWS....<br />
<br />
My agent, the brilliant and spectacular <a href="http://www.dystel.com/staff/jim.html" target="_blank">Jim McCarthy</a>, has sold not one book--oh no, how passe--but two. Yes, TWO BOOKS - a novel I am so proud of and excited to share with the world that I could cry, and the other a crazy-awesome anthology where I'll be editing and contributing a short story.<br />
<br />
I AM SO EXCITED I MIGHT BURST.<br />
<br />
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be working again with <a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/editorial/annette-pollert-morgan.html" target="_blank">Annette Pollert-Morgan</a>, the editor who plucked me from obscurity back in 2010 when she bought Cracked. She is a genius, and I am lucky to call her my editor.<br />
<br />
Here are the formal announcements:<br />
<br />
<br />
The novel announced in Publisher's Weekly:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUPJMbHugDxN5sT-9m42Jq8fQyFBHXodD7OkS7GLui8lxSbdzii9O5xGU50epxgy8_JB-7vdF9xTyDKZzd-E1qagk6i-nrjONquZ9B72q2zdRTzSOAYLahUbkXloLpQSRn517N7OmU4M/s1600/PW+announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUPJMbHugDxN5sT-9m42Jq8fQyFBHXodD7OkS7GLui8lxSbdzii9O5xGU50epxgy8_JB-7vdF9xTyDKZzd-E1qagk6i-nrjONquZ9B72q2zdRTzSOAYLahUbkXloLpQSRn517N7OmU4M/s640/PW+announcement.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kmwalton1/ultimatum-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> filled with images inspired by the novel. </div>
<br />
<b>The anthology announced in Publisher's Marketplace:</b><br />
<i> K.M. Walton’s, BEHIND THE SONG, an anthology featuring a unique all-star lineup of contributors—young adult authors, Ellen Hopkins, James Howe, Jonathan Maberry, Suzanne Young, Beth Kehpart, Ellen Oh, among others, and contemporary musicians G. Love and Donn T who will connect to one of their favorite songs through new short fiction or personal essay, to Annett Pollert-Morgan at Sourcebooks Fire, by Jim McCarthy at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management (World English).</i><br />
<br />
Have you ever listened to the lyrics of a song and wondered what the backstory was? What inspired the artist to create the song? Maybe you even created a story in your head....<br />
<br />
I do that all the time.<br />
<br />
Once the idea for BEHIND THE SONG took shape it took me over a year to build my incredible list of contributors of YA authors and musicians. I mean, look at <i>who </i>will be writing something for this book.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>YA authors in alphabetical order:</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://davidarnoldbooks.com/" target="_blank">David Arnold</a></b><br />
<a href="http://davidarnoldbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">Mosquitoland</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk93slGiWxzUfjHMtZebEuJ1jEx4CxWx2xuz_Ab5RagJXi3xTOFxsovAAeCvKEEfXF8lAxvJTJzgBL6PlPaNtIm5y-I-P6ZzhnkpdCoAAs4QddLa0TNA2xYagGsiXAJCdO2h0j9I3i3w/s1600/Mosquitoland_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk93slGiWxzUfjHMtZebEuJ1jEx4CxWx2xuz_Ab5RagJXi3xTOFxsovAAeCvKEEfXF8lAxvJTJzgBL6PlPaNtIm5y-I-P6ZzhnkpdCoAAs4QddLa0TNA2xYagGsiXAJCdO2h0j9I3i3w/s200/Mosquitoland_FINAL.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.anthonybreznican.com/" target="_blank">Anthony Breznican</a></b><br />
<a href="http://www.anthonybreznican.com/#!book/c1mnz" target="_blank">Brutal Youth</a><br />
<img alt="Brutal Youth by Anthony Breznican" class="s14imgimage" data-reactid=".0.$SITE_ROOT.$desktop_siteRoot.$PAGES_CONTAINER.1.1.$SITE_PAGES.$c1mnz.1.$i11j48wg.3.$i11j4tei.0.0.1" height="200" id="i11j4teiimgimage" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3845d2_a6b13a07851b49f68e4f5c6e5ba6ba28.jpg/v1/fill/w_391,h_614,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/3845d2_a6b13a07851b49f68e4f5c6e5ba6ba28.jpg" style="object-fit: cover;" width="126" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://ellenhopkins.com/YoungAdult/" target="_blank">Ellen Hopkins</a></b><br />
<i>NYT Bestselling Author</i> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8E4a-OEidg5-cxz9DNr6Z4GA4Mbjg6ErYooifoYaoY_6oDq_Egwth5JGFZ88BkbuefZcKR-FXFcE2N5Kn83cOry7ZzJH7DQXCl-8EIrT3lX8lQJlk24Fg6PYRWVn1I39wMXf2G_LMs8/s1600/HopkinHomePageHeader2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8E4a-OEidg5-cxz9DNr6Z4GA4Mbjg6ErYooifoYaoY_6oDq_Egwth5JGFZ88BkbuefZcKR-FXFcE2N5Kn83cOry7ZzJH7DQXCl-8EIrT3lX8lQJlk24Fg6PYRWVn1I39wMXf2G_LMs8/s320/HopkinHomePageHeader2014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://authors.simonandschuster.com/James-Howe/20539048" target="_blank">James Howe</a></b><br />
<i>Bestselling Author</i><b> </b><br />
<a href="http://authors.simonandschuster.com/James-Howe/20539048/books" target="_blank">The Misfits + way too many books to list.</a> I mean, the man is a legend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_z9xT0qH4aLInJCwHxhaek_WuqhDZC9nAm0YM7Qh6Ue-SmBbG4kdTADD07Syqa_ZpoJgY3oGQJkAF_mObn8puLjrnxfeq8lig2xfhO6P9TinMrb1r9vTcrCU5U2wvEuJpHgJvNYu_2k/s1600/complete-misfits-collection-9781481428989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_z9xT0qH4aLInJCwHxhaek_WuqhDZC9nAm0YM7Qh6Ue-SmBbG4kdTADD07Syqa_ZpoJgY3oGQJkAF_mObn8puLjrnxfeq8lig2xfhO6P9TinMrb1r9vTcrCU5U2wvEuJpHgJvNYu_2k/s1600/complete-misfits-collection-9781481428989.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://beth-kephart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<br />
<b><a href="http://beth-kephart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beth Kephart</a></b><br />
<a href="http://beth-kephart.blogspot.com/p/one-thing-stolen.html" target="_blank">One Thing Stolen </a>+ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beth-Kephart/e/B001IU2ST2" target="_blank">many, many more incredible titles</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33GJe8oKpH7Lk84H_HptMy5DNEbuerd5ZyUFckisuVTbXbHGSxuwfww2Jx41BPLrMiGeVXTWzIwyqS55B-hmXrP8seCYJEu8G1x731-eN4V6Cs4wyHEBQKIWBbLg3rrp8MgbMs395nqQ/s1600/OneThingStolen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33GJe8oKpH7Lk84H_HptMy5DNEbuerd5ZyUFckisuVTbXbHGSxuwfww2Jx41BPLrMiGeVXTWzIwyqS55B-hmXrP8seCYJEu8G1x731-eN4V6Cs4wyHEBQKIWBbLg3rrp8MgbMs395nqQ/s200/OneThingStolen.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.elisaludwig.com/" target="_blank">Elisa Ludwig</a></b><br />
<a href="http://www.elisaludwig.com/index.php/books/" target="_blank">Coin Heist, and the Pretty Crooked trilogy</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07UaiE5U4Kfcxk8cilajKT6JQl9tYb1RpfTI1-eo993k8w4TOG9vzivy0bEN05jnN_d2VuNCHPKdejiyQgmdU9vmUKqGoKsewHiBEMVMFb0sfnehzE44p_1jhTayZfdj7yOJJHolvwjs/s1600/CoinHeist_cover_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07UaiE5U4Kfcxk8cilajKT6JQl9tYb1RpfTI1-eo993k8w4TOG9vzivy0bEN05jnN_d2VuNCHPKdejiyQgmdU9vmUKqGoKsewHiBEMVMFb0sfnehzE44p_1jhTayZfdj7yOJJHolvwjs/s1600/CoinHeist_cover_thumb.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.jonathanmaberry.com/" target="_blank">Jonathan Maberry</a></b><br />
<i>NYT Bestselling author </i><br />
<a href="http://www.jonathanmaberry.com/rot_ruinseriespage.cfm" target="_blank">The Rot & Ruin series</a> + <a href="http://www.jonathanmaberry.com/books.cfm" target="_blank">many, many more incredible titles</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9UGB4QoYqQsCZvrCleVzdMvJinMuXG9K5p8A8eVo7t3PtGkb3mUkQ-ZLKsGSCJ1O8hAE-fgVV_tdnFhQS-LRVtA__O-IOoXYbGRvbD0b9PkT7QSAAN9UMdb9Aju2FqOWw0Z9U6mHqm4/s1600/Rot+Ruin+series+smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9UGB4QoYqQsCZvrCleVzdMvJinMuXG9K5p8A8eVo7t3PtGkb3mUkQ-ZLKsGSCJ1O8hAE-fgVV_tdnFhQS-LRVtA__O-IOoXYbGRvbD0b9PkT7QSAAN9UMdb9Aju2FqOWw0Z9U6mHqm4/s200/Rot+Ruin+series+smaller.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://ecmyers.net/" target="_blank">E.C. Myers</a></b><br />
<a href="http://ecmyers.net/novels/" target="_blank">The Silence of Six, Fair Coin, Quantum Coin</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT51AssYlCWy62esExS_03dc7TN8kf-fuET2rIoWH18CBg3CmrkCl2TfcPARPVKziP7Xv53D47TX0uUAaf2x1FdWF2WNahtinRxvZ15cF0fgBgoWq88RBhQrZpPZ9JzWRNUSnolx1izc/s1600/SilenceofSix_final_rev2-225x339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT51AssYlCWy62esExS_03dc7TN8kf-fuET2rIoWH18CBg3CmrkCl2TfcPARPVKziP7Xv53D47TX0uUAaf2x1FdWF2WNahtinRxvZ15cF0fgBgoWq88RBhQrZpPZ9JzWRNUSnolx1izc/s200/SilenceofSix_final_rev2-225x339.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.ellenoh.com/index1.html" target="_blank">Ellen Oh</a></b><br />
Founder of <a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.org/" target="_blank">#WeNeedDiverseBooks </a><br />
<a href="http://ellenoh.com/books/" target="_blank">The Prophecy series</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxbb1Ih79wO_CS7boHpg4MlNWUCQLtZ5-5G_Y6ZquDfAlvLBXWd6t4xDdrKX5UpHggtc6vip5yJm77X8cC5yet_A0SjAr85IbrA_Q2rcDBFhN6MN3vjITwppQG1ZgwgxWBR8AsMQDbQM/s1600/Prophecy_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxbb1Ih79wO_CS7boHpg4MlNWUCQLtZ5-5G_Y6ZquDfAlvLBXWd6t4xDdrKX5UpHggtc6vip5yJm77X8cC5yet_A0SjAr85IbrA_Q2rcDBFhN6MN3vjITwppQG1ZgwgxWBR8AsMQDbQM/s200/Prophecy_300.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.tiffanyschmidt.com/" target="_blank">Tiffany Schmidt</a></b><br />
<a href="http://www.tiffanyschmidt.com/books/" target="_blank">Hold Me Like a Breath, Bright Before Sunrise, Send Me a Sign</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ycq-QglSMTOXVylEPHFFbKd1ghFell-wy_cg6828Bh6WzRS08VvCkjY2rjpmDNd_BywpdEUd9e_bL64dWC_Kcgb87zaAKcjwXhbtcZm3uD_AxHWIMMP_wGT9aMiM8RMbV6wNyXC8yro/s1600/Holdmelikeabreathtag21-e1412775405633-99x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ycq-QglSMTOXVylEPHFFbKd1ghFell-wy_cg6828Bh6WzRS08VvCkjY2rjpmDNd_BywpdEUd9e_bL64dWC_Kcgb87zaAKcjwXhbtcZm3uD_AxHWIMMP_wGT9aMiM8RMbV6wNyXC8yro/s200/Holdmelikeabreathtag21-e1412775405633-99x150.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Suzanne Young</a></b><br />
<i>NYT Bestselling Author</i><br />
<a href="http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html" target="_blank">The Program, The Treatment, The Remedy</a> + <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Young/e/B002DV8TIO" target="_blank">many more incredible titles</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYv1n13Ryl62hSsI5MB1WtAIa_U5VZMu9lMNMsJHbGMXjwx3e05NA_wUHOQVl-E4zeKNctLwOdI8NVutlFAEVwP0L6J01z4TPOTIR4zsBiWtaOrWEDXv0_erTAl3C_s2F7Dguds4JQxWY/s1600/THE%252BPROGRAM%252B0719_LO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYv1n13Ryl62hSsI5MB1WtAIa_U5VZMu9lMNMsJHbGMXjwx3e05NA_wUHOQVl-E4zeKNctLwOdI8NVutlFAEVwP0L6J01z4TPOTIR4zsBiWtaOrWEDXv0_erTAl3C_s2F7Dguds4JQxWY/s200/THE%252BPROGRAM%252B0719_LO.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yours truly<br />
<b><a href="http://kmwalton.com/" target="_blank">K.M. Walton</a></b><br />
<a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-voice-km-walton-on-cracked.html" target="_blank">Cracked</a>, <a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2013/01/empty-releases-today.html" target="_blank">Empty</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpfppTJTdoWl_W7oF8J_HmS-T0I9dbejug5t6cA4r6UrtPnAe79-PQgU-4qvSn_-7VtUMhYrHbm_4b3Nj-nSW2rolqKHYVae7E898x2ICazWGuVjuCauDzIoGf5sJH2l6ed9mxYSucI0/s1600/books_book_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpfppTJTdoWl_W7oF8J_HmS-T0I9dbejug5t6cA4r6UrtPnAe79-PQgU-4qvSn_-7VtUMhYrHbm_4b3Nj-nSW2rolqKHYVae7E898x2ICazWGuVjuCauDzIoGf5sJH2l6ed9mxYSucI0/s200/books_book_01.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CONTRIBUTING MUSICIANS</b></span><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://philadelphonic.com/" target="_blank">G. Love</a></b><br />
From the band, G. Love and Special Sauce, who created the iconic singles, I-76, Baby's Got Sauce, Cold Beverage, + <a href="http://philadelphonic.com/music" target="_blank">many, many more hits. </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmv0AZOo4uGSiXNP4ytII1zmCPDHUkbPmAc1MJP6kII2ncdGIaXDed2UWGOnHUS5d_Jciyzx-iSWcYYlFi0gEQb7F-JQ3sW0k2v5r29udR4XzAkZQ8v0b0iHXoIbgbNm-4KkZlzu_Q7bU/s1600/g.love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmv0AZOo4uGSiXNP4ytII1zmCPDHUkbPmAc1MJP6kII2ncdGIaXDed2UWGOnHUS5d_Jciyzx-iSWcYYlFi0gEQb7F-JQ3sW0k2v5r29udR4XzAkZQ8v0b0iHXoIbgbNm-4KkZlzu_Q7bU/s200/g.love.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pk9-28HgxfE" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Cold Beverage" video </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://donn-t.com/" target="_blank"><b>Donn T. </b></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Innovative and enigmatic singer-songwriter Donn T, is the quintessential independent artist and do-it- yourselfer. She also happens to be <a href="https://twitter.com/questlove?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author" target="_blank">Questlove's</a> sister.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Donn-T/dp/B00SA6H1C6" target="_blank">Flight of the Donn T</a> is her latest album </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozx-AKV35jdWeTHoNtARJgy8PxD6FbUOPlCk1Wc60Tpcd6I-cjnBVaTz29ot_KLaP9R9R2jXJ4fA-lFhooBqObBlruxpMLw9_AaMS54RR-fekniYu_XLcmymzaoG2Wrpm5y_dstbhaoo/s1600/donn+t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozx-AKV35jdWeTHoNtARJgy8PxD6FbUOPlCk1Wc60Tpcd6I-cjnBVaTz29ot_KLaP9R9R2jXJ4fA-lFhooBqObBlruxpMLw9_AaMS54RR-fekniYu_XLcmymzaoG2Wrpm5y_dstbhaoo/s200/donn+t.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FzxDiB0rcmg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FzxDiB0rcmg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Midnight" video </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-17210427301281129272015-08-25T17:58:00.000-04:002015-08-25T09:55:43.646-04:00An open letter to students everywhereDear student returning to school,<br />
<br />
<div>
<div>
As you head back to school, back to interacting with hundreds of people you'd normally never interact with, I ask that you challenge yourself....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Assumptions. Don't make them. Plain and simple. No one knows what's going on beneath someone's surface - the nightmare they could be dealing with at home or what they think of themselves when they look in the mirror or the pressure they're under to do or not do XYZ.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No one knows. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Instead of looking at someone and making assumptions--when the opportunity arises--look them in the eye, truly listen to what they're saying...listen with kindness. It's quite incredible, the things you'll discover, things you never knew. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Judgement. A pitfall of judgement is only seeing a person's weight, skin tone, sexuality--label--which means you fail to see the <i>person</i>. Look deeper. Take a second to listen, see. Peel back the label you've smacked onto their forehead and see the human being underneath. Be open. Be kind. Force yourself to look deeper. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Try to find something in common. It's actually pretty easy if you take the time to listen and truly see the person. It's easy when you stop making assumptions. It's easy when you stop judging.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You'll see.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Kindness. A small act of kindness towards someone you've previously judged is one of the most powerful moments any human can have. Try it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hold the door. Smile. Say hi. Notice the invisible people. Notice the silently suffering.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Small acts of kindness can change your life, and they can save someone else's. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Kindness matters.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's to a wonderful school year.</div>
<div>
<br />
Sincerely,</div>
<div>
K.M. Walton</div>
</div>
K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-80247931301688580402015-06-02T10:34:00.000-04:002015-06-02T10:35:02.744-04:00Today I squeezed him a little tighter<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My oldest son hugged me goodbye this morning as he has
done every school day for the past twelve years. I squeezed him tight and told
him I loved him as I have done every school day for the past twelve years.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But today I squeezed him a little tighter.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Today was the last time I would hug him goodbye and send
him off to school. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I realize that sounds melodramatic. Perhaps I’ve induced
an eye roll or two. But hear me out.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of lasts. Firsts
are exciting and seem to get all the attention, but lasts, well, they can be
elusive, mysterious even. Life oftentimes makes it impossible to mark the lasts
of early parenting. The last bottle, the last bath, the last diaper change, the
last meal in a high chair, the last bedtime tuck-in, the last read-aloud, the
last push in a stroller, the last crust cut-off. Those lasts go gentle into the
good night and we’re off and running to the nexts. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But today I squeezed him a little tighter.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Today was the last time I would hug him goodbye and send
him off to school.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of memories.
The storage space above our garage is proof positive. It is full of my past,
boxes and crates full of my past. I keep a lot of ridiculously important
things. No one else understands the importance of saving the pebble I nervously
played with during my first “real” kiss. That meaningful piece of stone lives
with many other treasures like my cream polyester eighth grade graduation dress
and my Empire Strikes Back movie ticket stub from my twenty-seventh time. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It’s also full of other pasts. I have a box for college,
a box for my wedding, boxes from my twelve years teaching, and boxes for my
sons. I’m sure if I went through everything I’d find unrecognizable things, the
reason for saving it in the first place long forgotten. But other things remain
seared into my memory, like the baby blanket he clutched in his precious little
hand, crying out from his crib for, “Comfies, Mommy!” Comfies was his term and
it perfectly described me covering him up before he drifted to sleep. Comfies
lives in my box of memories. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I’ve always been fascinated by the future. You may think
I live in the past. I don’t. I treasure the past. I hold memories dear, but I’m
an anticipator, always gazing towards the possibilities. The future excites me,
helps me let things go and for that I am thankful. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
His future is upon us, knocking on our door, waiting to
take his hand. I must let go. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I’ve saved too much, my husband says. I say I’ve saved
the lasts, and today was the last time I would hug him goodbye and send him off
to school. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Today I squeezed him a little tighter.</div>
K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-40522887384920081932015-05-26T15:32:00.000-04:002015-05-27T19:22:03.225-04:00When logic trumps censorship<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I know this blog has remained dormant for quite some
time. I know. But, when I was in need of a place to share a personal story,
this blog called my name, like an old friend, "You can post it here,
Kate." And so I shall.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a true story of an attempted censorship of CRACKED
by a school in Montreal and how a determined teacher was the catalyst for
logic. I will let the emails* tell the story....</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
*Emails shared with permission</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, May 21, 2015 9:31 PM<br />
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:kmwalton1@verizon.net" target="_blank">kmwalton1@verizon.net</a>; </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Subject:</b> Cracked</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am writing to you as a high school teacher. We
have been using your novel "Cracked" for at least 3 years. The
students love it and they engage in reading it. However, the
administration has decided that your book is not appropriate and want to ban it
it from our high school. We, the teachers, feel that your novel touches the
hearts of or grade 10 students, They love to read it. The psychologists
at our high school claim it causes suicidal thoughts. We, the English teachers
think the opposite. If you have anything, as an author to say, it would
be greatly appreciated. The administration is banning your book!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
[name withheld]</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
[name of school withheld]</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Montreal, Quebec</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
On 22 May 2015 at 09:44, Kate Walton <<a href="mailto:kmwalton1@verizon.net" target="_blank">kmwalton1@verizon.net</a>>
wrote:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dear ________,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This saddens me so. I’m assuming that the psychologists
and administration have <i>not</i> read CRACKED and that they’re jumping to odd
conclusions. If they have read it and still think it promotes suicide, well, I
have no words. Also, instead of me speaking on this I thought it more powerful
to share what countless teen (and adult) readers have emailed me. The word doc
is attached. Feel free to share it with decision makers. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sincerely hoping logic and love win in the end. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
~ Kate Walton</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
K.M.Walton</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Author/</b><a href="http://www.simonspeakers.com/KMWalton" target="_blank"><b>Public Speaker</b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://www.kmwalton.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KMWalton1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cracked-fan-page/225425247511173?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>/<a href="http://pinterest.com/kmwalton1/pins/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>/<a href="http://instagram.com/kmwalton" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6QLS6DZpvk" target="_blank">TEDx</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>CRACKED </b>Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster NOW
on <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/Cracked-Audiobook/B00DIEH3A0?sr=1-5&qid=1375135293&ref_=sr_1_5" target="_blank">Audible.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>EMPTY</b> Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster NOW on <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/Empty-Audiobook/B00DYALVYW?sr=3-20&qid=1375134818&ref_=sr_3_20" target="_blank">Audible.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>TEACHING NUMERACY: 9 Critical Habits to Ignite
Mathematical Thinking</b> (co-author) Corwin Press </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
BELOW IS THE CONTENTS OF THE WORD DOC THAT I ATTACHED:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
READER RESPONSES TO CRACKED</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2/4/12</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My name's Lisa, I'm a 17 year old girl from Toronto,
Canada and I just finished reading your book cracked at 3:52 a.m. Once I
started I couldn't stop, every line captured my attention and made me want to
read more of it. I loved everything about it, and especially being a teenager
in high school it's relatable and inspiring. I've never been emotional reading
any book but when I came upon the stories of both Victor and Bull my heart
dropped and my eyes got teary. Your book was touching and I'm really glad you
shared your words with everyone. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that
you're an incredible author and what you write matters. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2/24/12</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I recently finished reading your book Cracked and it was
amazing. I found it hard to put down, I found the characters and plot very
intriguing. I also somewhat related to the book on a personal level. Although I
don't come from a family where I was unloved (I would argue that my parents are
too nice to me at times), I do know how it feels to be ignored at school. At
the beginning of high school, I had an excellent circle of friends. We all
accepted/supported each other and hung out quite frequently. Then, my best
friend from the group moved away and the group fell apart. All the others in
the group joined new groups and I was torn. I hung out with this one group at
lunch hour for a while but they ignored me and called me "weird"
because I like different things than most teenagers (I love classical music and
I want to pursue a career in music) They would make plans to hang out while I
was sitting there, like I wasn't there. I remember just going home after lunch
that day, skipping my afternoon classes and spending the whole afternoon crying
in my room. This year in high school (my last year) I took a spare block right
before lunch so I could go home for lunch every day and not have to deal with
sitting by people that ignore me or don't know me well. No, I've never
attempted suicide, but I have thought about it. I could never do something like
that to myself, I have so much going for me in my life and I know that
university will be a much more supporting environment as I will be surrounded
by other musicians my age all the time. Anyways, how does this relate to your
book? Well, as I was reading the book, I couldn't help but compare it to
myself. It opened my eyes as well; I am actually very lucky to have the
opportunity to take music lessons and pursue something I love in university and
some parents don't even care about their children. It almost made me feel
selfish for feeling like my life sucked at some points. I have a wonderful
support system within my family and friends in music. My social issues at high
school will seem trivial as I go through university and pursue what I love. No
matter how bad you think your life is, there's always someone who would love to
have your life. Anyways, thank you for writing this book! It was amazing and I
will be looking forward to more eye-opening and inspiring books from you in the
future! –Geena</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
12/9/12 </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Well like I said I’m a reader. This book really relates
to me. My name is Christina I live in New Jersey. I’m nineteen. I have thought
of killing myself over stuff. My mother kicked me out when I turn 18. She hates
me. She spreads rumors about me. I write poetry and I’m planning on writing a
book. You have inspired me, thank you. I love your book CRACKED. I’m always
alone, invisible. Thank you. This book kinda showed me that suicide isn’t
always the answer, that even rich kids have those thoughts.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1/14/13</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have just finished reading Cracked. Wow. I am
absolutely speechless. It was without a single doubt, the best book I have ever
read in my life. I really felt such a connection with Bull and Victor--Heck, I
felt connected with Nikole, Lacey, Kell, Brian, Frank and Ellie, too. I just
wanted to thank you for being such an amazing and talented author. Thank you for
creating a whole other world for me to sink into when I read. I've promoted
Cracked and you as an author on Facebook, Twitter, and to all of my friends.
Realistically, the entire population of my high school knows about you because
of me. And I won't let them borrow my copy for two reasons: 1) I open a random
chapter every day and just sink into the beauty of the book--There's no way I
could be deprived of my beautiful "world". 2) I want them to go and
BUY it. For your sake. You deserve the biggest success from this book. I
encourage you with every fiber of my being to keep writing. You're one of the
rare good authors. You write beautifully, you can actually keep the attention
of your readers. Thank you so much for everything. Sincerely, your #1 fan. Much
love.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2/16/13</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My name is Mike. I'm a 33-year-old aspiring
writer. I picked up your book, "Cracked", three days ago, and
just finished reading it. I was so touched by your novel, that, for the
first time, I wanted to write the author personally and say thank you.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I've struggled with bullying since I was young, and, in
many ways, found myself feeling like Victor. I had a few friends, but I
often felt invisible. My parents, while not anywhere near the extremes of
Victor's parents, held such high expectations of me that I rarely felt like I
lived up to them.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I had a time, early in high school, where I came close to
attempting suicide. Fortunately, my faith, or more correctly, my fear of
eternity in hell, kept me from going through with the attempt.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I still have a lot of pain from my teenage years, and I
felt much of this pain come back through your novel. However, reading
through the book, and seeing how Victor and William work through their issues,
helped me to see some of the darker days of my life in a new way... a better
way.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I think I'll probably read this book at least once or
twice more, because your ability to portray hope in the midst of hopelessness
truly gives me hope in my own future.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Again, thank you so much for this book! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5/6/13 </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
First and for most, I want to sincerely thank you for
inspiring me. Cracked is an excellent and inspiring book. In grade school I was
a 'Victor'. I was bullied. Also, from the outside looking in it may have seemed
like I had it all together, even though I didn't. Please, please continue
writing. You may not know it, but you're inspiring teenagers. Your writing
matters. Sincerely, Paige</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5/20/13</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Oh. My. Gosh. I love your book CRACKED. I JUST now
finished it and I don't think I'll be able to go to bed until I make sure that
you know how amazing it is. Not that I know how to express it. You made a
difference. In my life. Right now. Thank you, I owe you big time. –Adelina</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
8/4/13</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I just wanted to tell you that I just finished cracked
and I really enjoyed it. I was bullied a lot as a child up through middle
school, and this book was pretty close to what often times happens. I have a
friend who is in a similar situation at home to Victor. I recommended the book
to him and he says he will read it when he gets home from Canada. Thank you for
giving me something great to read! -Shawn</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
10/26/13</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My name's Jennifer, 14 and I'm from Canada. I really
loved your book, Cracked. It really spoke to me and I thought it was written
really well. Anyways, I really hope to meet you one day- you're a big
inspiration to me and your books: Cracked and Empty, made me escape reality for
a long time and I loved that. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It gave me the strength and hope that maybe I could
overcome some of my problems too. I didn't feel alone.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
11/14/13</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am reading your book Cracked and from a person who has
been to mental hospitals, I can't thank you enough. I am trying to become a
teacher and you are my inspiration. –Nikki</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
11/25/13</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I just wanted to let you know that your books are more
than amazing and that you are my favorite author!!!! I literally would sit and
read your books Cracked and Empty over and over again for hours on end. When I
was reading your book Cracked I would have to make myself put the book down so
I would let the suspense build up and so that I can enjoy my first time reading
the book longer. Your books made me cry, scream, and jump up and down. You
capture the reality of being a teenager so well, that it is unexplainable. I
love that you're not afraid to just say the truth and how honest you are with.
That quality in your books, I think, sets you apart from all the other authors
out there. –Emily</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1/19/14</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Hey my name is Michelle. I am a thirteen year old living
in Saskatoon, Canada. Your book Cracked really relates to me. I see myself in
Bull and in Victor. You did an amazing job bringing new light to bullying. It
was beautifully written, I could only hope to write anything just as close to
perfect as Cracked. I've read your book three times and I own my own copy. I am
planning on making a trailer to the book with my friends. I am an aspiring
writer and poet, and I look up to writers like you.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
7/1/14</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My name is Cheyenne and I am a big fan of your novel,
Cracked. Your book taught me a few things; it taught me that bullying can have
a negative impact on people and it also helped me realize that I am not alone
in the world and that other people deal with depression also.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
8/24/14</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Emailing authors is not something I usually do. I bought
“Cracked” because you are scheduled to be at Town Book Center in Collegeville
in October and it looked like a good book to give to my daughter-in-law, and
with her OK, to my 12 and 14 year old grandsons Ben and Max for Christmas. To
be honest I didn’t especially want to read the book but thought to be part of
the October book discussion it would be a good idea to know what the book is
about. Wow! I started “Cracked” this morning and just finished that and many
tissues! What a wonderful story! Thank you! We have all had adversity in our
lives - we all make the journey in diverse ways - but those who have no one to
touch them, to love them are the ones who need good words like you as a gifted
writer were able to share in “Cracked.” –Jill</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4/7/15</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am a senior at American Canyon high school in American
Canyon, CA (near Napa) and I am a HUGE fan of your book Cracked. I read your
book when I was a sophomore and at the time I was really depressed. I walked
into a bookstore with my mother and the cover of your book really drew me in.
Since I had been thinking about suicide for about two months, it spoke to me. I
constantly tell people good things about your book and have gotten three people
so far to read it. I love the perspective it gives me and I love how it helps
others not feel alone. My boyfriend struggles with anxiety and depression and
has a lot of family issues, so I recommended the book because I felt like he
connected with both Bull and Victor. He told me it helped him and I knew it
would because it truly helped me. I also wanted to tell you I got my teacher to
read the book and she loves it so far! I love spreading the word of your work.
Thank you for writing such an amazing book that helped me through really tough
times. It meant a lot to have Bull and Victor there, even though they were
fictional characters. Much love, Angel</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, May 22, 2015 10:00 AM</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>To:</b> Kate Walton<br />
<b>Subject:</b> Re: Cracked</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Thanks so much for your reply!! No, the
psychologists have not read the book as they only speak French. It
is extremely sad. I will pass on this document to all people
involved. I have the same students two years in a row and many of them
(particularly the boys) do not enjoy reading. Those (boys) finish your novel
way before the due date. Honestly, I have been teaching for 18 years and
your novel is the only that I have never had negative feedback from the
students!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Thanks so much!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b> </b>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, May 26, 2015 1:20 PM<br />
<b>To:</b> Kate Walton</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Subject:</b> Re: Cracked</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Good morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
They are keeping your novel!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
One of my students' projects is to create a movie trailer
for the new movie <i>Cracked</i>. Here is a link if you would like to see
some. Also, please understand that my students' first language is
French. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2zxpgODIcY&list=PLZY5pd-1aqwhjh3i3uiXJH-sD6DmMhiiE&index=5">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2zxpgODIcY&list=PLZY5pd-1aqwhjh3i3uiXJH-sD6DmMhiiE&index=5</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Thanks again for everything.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b> </b>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In closing I'd like to commend this wonderful teacher for alerting me, her amazing students for being steadfast fans, and ultimately the school psychologists and administration for their logical decision. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;"></span><br />K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-88099885763887003592014-01-31T08:43:00.001-05:002014-01-31T11:27:09.173-05:00My Son Teaches Me a Lesson in DeterminationHey there, remember me? I'm waking this sleepy blog up for something C O O L. And of course there's a story behind it....<br />
<br />
I was going to share this on Facebook, but it seemed too lengthy an explanation.<br />
<br />
I was going to share this on Twitter, but 140 characters. Yeah.<br />
<br />
This is a story of creative perseverance that I had to share, and it's about my sixteen-year-old son, and it'll end with a blow-your-mind video at the end. With lights and music!<br />
<br />
Okay, back to my kid. My husband and I have always called him a Renaissance Man. He's an artist, a singer, a beatboxer (he's Plasma Music on Vine), and a deep thinker. He's shy-yet-confident and a very, very old soul.<br />
<br />
He's also into music, always has been. At first it was electronic dance music at the tender age of six. Then it morphed into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubstep">dubstep</a>, complete with dubstep dancing (which he learned by watching You Tube videos). And now he's into what he calls the "completely underground stuff." He's constantly asking me and my husband to listen to new songs that he's discovered. I do like a lot of it.<br />
<br />
He also stumbled upon this device called a <a href="http://us.novationmusic.com/midi-controllers-digital-dj/launchpad">Launchpad</a>. In short: "Launchpad S is a powerful 64-button music controller that lets you make music or mix tracks using a super-intuitive grid of multi-colour buttons." It was the one thing he desperately wanted for Christmas.<br />
<br />
When he opened it up he nearly burst, and he hasn't looked back since.<br />
<br />
He recently programmed a song and performed it for my mom using the Launchpad. She thought it was great, but I could tell she had no idea what actually went into what she just saw. So I explained it to her.<br />
<br />
He decided upon a song, imported into the Launchpad program, <a href="https://www.ableton.com/en/live/">Ableton Live</a>, and then parsed the song out into clips (most clips are one to two seconds long). The entire song. Then he assigned each clip to one of the squares on his Launchpad (the location is completely up to him). Then he programmed an accompanying light color to the Lanuchpad square, as well as light patterns, carefully taking into consideration the overall beat of the song.<br />
<br />
Those steps alone just blew my mind. But the most difficult part is still to come.<br />
<br />
From what I saw while he was creating and programming, he seemed to do the song in chunks, like, say, twenty second intervals. He would go over and over and over and over the pressing of the Launchpad buttons, so that he memorized where his fingers had to go. Very much like learning a piano piece. Lucky for him he had a mother who kept in piano lessons for six years, much to his chagrin.<br />
<br />
Then he'd tackle the next part of the song, and the next, until the whole song was programmed and the button sequence learned. It took him just under thirty days to produce the video you're about to watch. And yes, he made this video himself as well. He's a determined, crafty young man.<br />
<br />
Why am I sharing this here, on my recently silenced blog that was mostly about writing? Persistence, that's why. To remind you that whatever it is you're striving for out there in this world, chip away at it every single day. Do not give up. Have a plan. Do the research. Learn what you need to learn. Don't be afraid.<br />
<br />
Do whatever it takes to make it happen. Power onward and "make your own music."<br />
<br />
Oh, and I do miss this place and all of you.<br />
<br />
In order for his You Tube page views to increase, you'll need to watch his Launchpad performance directly on You Tube by clicking <a href="http://youtu.be/O27DbpvW2Ts">HERE</a>. Thanks for watching!!K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-46646553854053426712013-12-03T09:49:00.001-05:002013-12-31T15:29:17.368-05:00EMPTY releases in paperback today. And there's a GIVEAWAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781442453593"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJe7AIxPKWnp7QrFpR2zvjGnDpdqoFtWttJD2m8x74wh9YmlWwVnB0gTzxvVVonhaosybesF5Xuvf4KMxZVS6rEIIDjF4QM-cHneJUhAA-BC1LqhWdEpvMNKnof94uKQUZGEpVYcCj0U/s320/Empty+paperback.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: small;">
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">
To help celebrate the paperback release of <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781442453593">EMPTY </a>today, I'm running a giveaway. Subscribers--old and new--to my monthly eNewsletter will be automatically entered to win a signed paperback copy of <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781442453593">EMPTY </a>and a bookmark! </span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">There will be five lucky winners (US and Canada only - winners to be announced in my January Newsletter). </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Not subscribed to my monthly eNewsletter? Don't worry, you can sign up by clicking <a href="http://kmwalton.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=172e7f3e5a461ba50da5f9e1d&id=215d04b5c8">HERE</a>.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">BOOK SUMMARY</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Dell is used to disappointment. Ever since her dad left, it’s been one let down after another. But no one—not even her best friend—gets all the pain she’s going through. So Dell hides behind self-deprecating jokes and forced smiles.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then the one person she trusts betrays her. Dell is beyond devastated. Without anyone to turn to for comfort, her depression and self-loathing spin out of control. But just how far will she go to make all of the heartbreak and name-calling stop? </div>
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Interested in why I wrote EMPTY? Click <a href="http://www.ourfamilyworld.com/2013/10/14/bullying-prevention-kate-walton-interview/">HERE</a>.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Interested in some stellar reviews of EMPTY? Click <a href="http://beth-kephart.blogspot.com/2012/12/emptykm-walton-reflections.html">HERE </a>and <a href="http://yaconfidential.blogspot.com/2013/02/empty-by-km-walton.html">HERE </a>and <a href="http://www.xpressoreads.com/2013/01/review-empty-by-km-walton.html?spref=tw">HERE</a>.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Here's what critics are saying about <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781442453593">EMPTY</a>:</span></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Like Walton’s debut novel, <i>Cracked </i>(2012), <i>Empty</i> wades fearlessly into the desperate inner lives of abused teens.Readers will feel Dell’s pain acutely in this emotionally wrenching novel. ~BOOKLIST</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dell is a well-drawn character, and her loneliness and hurt are palpable. Teens will be sucked into her downward spiral and will start to wonder if her situation is ever going to get better. Empty will hit home hard with teens who have been or are being tormented and should shed some light on how painful and destructive bullying is to its victims. ~SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
A cautionary tale about merciless bullying . . . . Portrayals may let readers (bullied, bully or observer) slot themselves in where appropriate and heed this red flag. ~KIRKUS</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Walton writes books that matter. She writes with the intent of saving lives. Words are weapons-- but as Walton has deftly illustrated in <i>Empty</i>-- they are also hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
~ Kim Sabatini, author of <a href="http://kimberlysabatini.com/books/touching-the-surface/" style="color: #c53694; text-decoration: none;">Touching the Surface</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br />
K.M. Walton's <i>Empty</i> is riveting, compelling, and brutally honest. Walton has crafted a very brave novel that draws readers not only into the complexities of a discarded teen's troubled world, but also toward the inevitable questions we must ask ourselves -- the questions EMPTY dares to explore.<br />
~Andrew Smith author of <a href="http://www.ghostmedicine.com/Ghost_Medicine/Books.html" style="color: #c53694; text-decoration: none;">Stick, The Marbury Lens, Passenger</a><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<i>Empty</i> is a brave book written by a brave writer—relentless, unblinking, harrowing.<br />
~ Beth Kephart author of <a href="http://beth-kephart.blogspot.com/p/about-beth.html" style="color: #c53694; text-decoration: none;">Small Damages & You Are My Only</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: #fbf9f2; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div>
K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-69249031889375507662013-11-04T17:17:00.000-05:002013-11-04T17:17:37.146-05:00A rest.To the one or two people who still visit this neglected dusty place, I say, hello. But, don't get too excited, this post might bum you out (it bums me out).<br />
<br />
Back on July 18, 2008 (that's five years ago) I wrote my first post: <a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-did-iti-wrote-novel.html">I did it...I wrote a novel</a>. Who knew that my journey to publication would be so <a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2009/11/one-old-soul.html">arduous</a>, so <a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2010/06/enough-or-maybe-i-need-break.html?showComment=1275672849683">bumpy</a>, so-<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2010/06/alright-universe-im-listening-again.html?showComment=1276376568119">friggin-long</a>.<br />
<br />
This blog, and more importantly my blog readers, got me through the most daunting times, the times I wanted to throw in the towel, the times I needed advice, a friend, a shoulder. Thank you.<br />
<br />
Over the past five years I have opened up and shared so very much, right here. I have made "in real life" friends, gained critique partners, cheered others on from the sidelines of their own paths to publication - all wonderful things. But sometimes wonderful things must come to an end.<br />
<br />
Cue the bummer part.<br />
<br />
It probably won't come as a big surprise that I've officially decided to stop blogging. I've kinda already done that (hello, my last post was in September...and it's November. I'm a blogging slacker of the worst variety.)<br />
<br />
Anyone need a tissue? *sniff*<br />
<br />
Don't fret too much, I will still announce gigantic stuff here (new books, covers, etc...) And I'm on <a href="https://twitter.com/KMWalton1">twitter</a> (@kmwalton1), <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=780882891">facebook</a>, and <a href="http://www.kmwalton.com/">kmwalton.com</a>, so it's not like I'm disappearing into the mist.<br />
<br />
If you're wondering "Why, Kate? Why?" well, it's because I want to save my time spent writing for my books. Not for monetary reasons or anything, simply because I'm blogged out.<br />
<br />
So, farewell my blogger friends. See ya around the web. Stay cool.K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-2857235054260302992013-09-17T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-17T08:00:04.282-04:00ALL OF YOUYou know when you have the good fortune to stumble upon someone in life and they turn out to <i>change </i>your life, for the better? That is the case with <a href="http://nelsonagency.com/clients/christina-lee/">Christina Lee</a>. I am lucky to call her a critique partner, and more importantly, a friend.<br />
<br />
Her heart is big. Her writing talent is big.<br />
<br />
It is with THE GREATEST PLEASURE and EXCITEMENT that I share the news of her debut New Adult release. Today the world can finally read <a href="http://www.write-brained.com/p/novels.html">ALL OF YOU</a>! Her <a href="http://www.write-brained.com/p/reviews.html">reviews </a>are incredible because the book is incredible - I read it IN ONE SITTING.<br />
<br />
Go forth and get your hands on this deliciously gripping novel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-of-You-InterMix-ebook/dp/B00CX5V74I/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370709542&sr=1-4&keywords=all+of+you"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMxbkJalarS6tt7QUn1H54EwpInFY-1HVF-yV0v4qWEDTw_JJUv9KVKtYK4Nav3bW2sSvTO6n6jXLiPwxeEkxxovbHp6z8D8GlC0VUlqWWCxuqOHha9UJsfR0v6CfDbccjQh2_3yz52I/s640/COVER_AllofYou_.JPG" width="395" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-of-You-InterMix-ebook/dp/B00CX5V74I/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370709542&sr=1-4&keywords=all+of+you" style="color: #7f2817;">Amazon</a></b><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></b><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-of-you-christina-lee/1115388091?ean=9780698141254" style="color: #27177f; text-decoration: none;">Barnes&Noble</a></b><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b><b><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christina_Lee_All_of_You?id=HEJ9tBQgiMsC&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImJvb2stSEVKOXRCUWdpTXNDIl0." style="color: #27177f; text-decoration: none;">Google Books</a></b></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/all-of-you/id651483758?mt=11" style="color: #27177f; text-decoration: none;">iBooks</a></b></span>K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-46001300655170903492013-09-13T09:23:00.000-04:002013-09-13T09:23:25.453-04:00So, Lately<div style="text-align: left;">
Hello, long lost readers and friends. Hope this post finds you smiling, happy, perhaps sipping on a piping hot mug of coffee or tea. Things sure have been going and going around here - like everyone else in the world. Now that school is back in session, and my house is so damn quiet, I feel like I can sit down and blog.</div>
<br />
So I am.<br />
<br />
I've been meditating lately, just before I fall asleep. It helps to keep me centered. I stumbled upon Deepak Chopra's 21 Day Meditation Challenge app and recently finished my 21st day. Each session really got me thinking (I'm pretty sure that was the intention ; )<br />
<br />
If anyone out there is feeling anxiety, worry, stress, then this post is for you.<br />
<br />
If anyone out there is a dreamer, wisher, ponderer, then this post is for you.<br />
<br />
If you're a longtime reader, you know of my deep love for THE POST-IT. They're everywhere in my life, and I don't know how I'd live without them. Big ups to 3M for creating such a masterpiece.<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the inspiration.<br />
<br />
A few important thoughts have stuck with me from the 21 Day Meditation Challenge, things that I'd like to share with you guys because I think they're universal.<br />
<br />
The most important: <b>BE A CONSCIOUS CHOICE MAKER.</b><br />
<br />
I wrote that on a post-it and stuck to my computer screen. I read it multiple times a day. I love the empowerment in those five words. I love the simplicity. <br />
<br />
The second thought:<b> WHO AM I? WHAT DO I WANT?</b><br />
<br />
Those questions were asked repeatedly throughout the 21 Day Meditation Challenge, and I found it fascinating to mentally explore the answers. Give it a go.<br />
<br />
The Challenge encourages listeners to take some time and write it down, record your thoughts. It helps you to process, to go deeper. I also helps to make your thinking even more concrete, even more real.<br />
<br />
Who are <i>you</i>? Are you what others think you are? Are you who you want to be?<br />
<br />
What do <i>you </i>want? Why do you want it so badly? Are you close to getting it? What can you do to make it happen?<br />
<br />
Happy thinking!<br />
<br />
If you're on Twitter, tune in each Wednesday at 10 AM EST for my #kindnessmatters campaign (<a href="https://twitter.com/KMWalton1">@kmwalton1</a>). The only thing promoted is kindness!<br />
<br />
<br />K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-77504271146011643432013-08-12T09:51:00.002-04:002013-08-12T09:51:59.731-04:003 ThingsHappy Monday morning to all!<br />
<br />
1) I was interviewed over on the lovely Dianne Salerni's (WE HEAR THE DEAD, THE CAGED GRAVES) blog, and the focus is on damaged characters. You can have a read by clicking <a href="http://diannesalerni.blogspot.com/2013/08/damaged-characters-interview-with-km.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
2) Tomorrow night (8/13/13) at 6:30 PM (EST) tune in to A BOOK AND A CHAT for my online radio interview with Barry Eva. Click <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond">HERE </a>for details.<br />
<br />
3) If you are on Twitter, tune in this Wednesday as I launch my #kindnessmatters Twitter campaign. Follow me <a href="https://twitter.com/KMWalton1">@kmwalton1 </a><br />
<br />
I'm slinking back into my revision cave....K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-38753876459850384722013-08-07T11:05:00.000-04:002013-08-07T11:05:27.026-04:00ALL OF YOU Cover Reveal<a href="http://www.write-brained.com/">Christina Lee</a> and I have been shoulder-to-shoulder in this publishing business for years now. We met through blogging, became critique partners, and were in the query trenches together. I'm lucky to call her a dear friend as well. She's good people.<br />
<br />
Good things happen to good people.<br />
<br />
Today's good thing is really good, like, dark-chocolate-sea-salt-caramel-good.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.write-brained.com/">ALL OF YOU</a> is Christina's debut new adult novel and it has a cover. A spectacular cover:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTV5nAKKywNTK0VKmQoZS1oNBQ1u5VO_g2XmB4KTwtGrQZP4_US_Ac3ND3MikHJ9WQzb86y2xTE7kVOggKRDL5pfUBFS0183FG0DusEIoXfYaqZAzxXbcIpaqyprVY0DTDvsU3SwyxZs/s1600/COVER_AllofYou_.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTV5nAKKywNTK0VKmQoZS1oNBQ1u5VO_g2XmB4KTwtGrQZP4_US_Ac3ND3MikHJ9WQzb86y2xTE7kVOggKRDL5pfUBFS0183FG0DusEIoXfYaqZAzxXbcIpaqyprVY0DTDvsU3SwyxZs/s640/COVER_AllofYou_.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Being Christina's critique partner, I read the book, and let me say this: I read it straight through in one sitting.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the book:</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">In this powerfully emotional debut New Adult novel, Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor. He’s irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating—she’s perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother’s bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, all Avery can handle is a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">When she meets smoking hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him—for just one night. But he won’t accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straight-laced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Bennett sees something special in Avery and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him, too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So she needs to make a choice—let Bennett go or finally let him in.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Add it to: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17838603-all-of-you" style="color: #212121; text-decoration: none;">Goodreads</a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">You're going to want to pre-order it. Trust me. It's available here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-of-You-InterMix-ebook/dp/B00CX5V74I/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370709542&sr=1-4&keywords=all+of+you" style="color: #212121; text-decoration: none;">Amazon</a>, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-of-you-christina-lee/1115388091?ean=9780698141254" style="color: #212121; text-decoration: none;">Barnes&Noble</a>, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christina_Lee_All_of_You?id=HEJ9tBQgiMsC&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImJvb2stSEVKOXRCUWdpTXNDIl0." style="color: #212121; text-decoration: none;">Google Books</a>, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apple.com/apps/ibooks/?cid=wwa-us-kwg-features&siclientid=6381&sessguid=284ae112-5861-4b0d-9fba-59a23d80cfdd&userguid=284ae112-5861-4b0d-9fba-59a23d80cfdd&permguid=284ae112-5861-4b0d-9fba-59a23d80cfdd" style="color: #212121; text-decoration: none;">iBooks</a></span></b></span></div>
<br />K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-12723006778995349772013-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-30T00:00:07.963-04:00CRACKED and EMPTY Release on Audible TodayToday, both of my novels release as audio books from Audible.com!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_5?asin=B00DIEH3A0&qid=1375135293&sr=1-5">CRACKED</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_5?asin=B00DIEH3A0&qid=1375135293&sr=1-5"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j9YCC9lJqhd49ChBa4DNcG-QIW_fHNvndM7Ie4gae5XR9i3R9YQEqhZUXB-Z3NXRnmYULLVK01-gqXyhfAYijUV51M1bOw1aPJmWv4olR7CQYU16cIv_kcrPuggXKP4KJmAuL_VYxBg/s320/walton-cracked.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_3_20?asin=B00DYALVYW&qid=1375134818&sr=3-20">EMPTY</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_3_20?asin=B00DYALVYW&qid=1375134818&sr=3-20"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOMIP5B_w7gV3Y6HPBifVOVsmrxmfC-HWVdtyhyphenhyphenZINCXwELikbPehTVPvsgH53_VXI5oI0KZvxHvqWxewNtQpJKYadeFyZYlOSHb5qlMYSLo-IkfmisN3WifQhHr0hRmUoTfRuGKg3M8/s320/EMPTY+all+type+FAVE_LO.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!</b></div>
<br />
To celebrate I will be giving away A THREE MONTH AUDIBLE MEMBERSHIP (value $45) to one lucky winner!<br />
<br />
It's super easy to enter, just click on the Rafflecopter link below. Giveaway closes midnight August 6, 2013. Winner will be announced next Wednesday, August 7, 2013, right here.<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6585e93/" id="rc-6585e93" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-73195879857421102662013-07-25T10:15:00.001-04:002013-07-25T10:15:28.353-04:00Giveaway WINNERA HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GIVEAWAY WINNER*:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">NIKKI KRUEGER</span></b></div>
<br />
I had the best time re-entering the stories of CRACKED and EMPTY - it was like visiting old friends. I did my best to jot interesting notes, thoughts, secrets, and insider tidbits throughout each book. I hope you enjoy your prize, Nikki! <br />
<br />
Here is a sample note from each novel:<br />
<br />
EMPTY<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiJlXMRplXWmuftixwt_r-L6X_yqiad_hzu_UQO0cSGRVjJ7mSNDsLZ9gBj3xN_hY4iOdZYSyyVLVtZF3Z3Qf3kJKewwR4s_6j_3SCwWuYftFGoSwcBFePMMNKCjLFOUzsJUsT83T9eY/s1600/EMPTY+annotation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiJlXMRplXWmuftixwt_r-L6X_yqiad_hzu_UQO0cSGRVjJ7mSNDsLZ9gBj3xN_hY4iOdZYSyyVLVtZF3Z3Qf3kJKewwR4s_6j_3SCwWuYftFGoSwcBFePMMNKCjLFOUzsJUsT83T9eY/s400/EMPTY+annotation.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
CRACKED<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z-zzZZJe3g4vNeBSunOdNE2UnkeX8_al5n9yUk_5W8ht1g2rM3bG1yMzJav26WokvlyQw8ZLiAmNawn1g6IZO4PHuHtiuJf2w5VyKHFSZpSlFp-rmR4n-IEo_dFpc1gcJHp_dORqYPQ/s1600/CRACKED+annotation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z-zzZZJe3g4vNeBSunOdNE2UnkeX8_al5n9yUk_5W8ht1g2rM3bG1yMzJav26WokvlyQw8ZLiAmNawn1g6IZO4PHuHtiuJf2w5VyKHFSZpSlFp-rmR4n-IEo_dFpc1gcJHp_dORqYPQ/s400/CRACKED+annotation.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And thank you to everyone who tweeted, posted on facebook, and entered!!<br />
<br />
*Winner chosen randomly, via RafflecopterK. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-73661410844933737222013-07-18T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-18T00:00:10.575-04:005 Year BlogoversarySince I've been a bad, bad blogging person, ignoring this here blog for weeks on end, I figured I had some making up to do.<br />
<br />
Welcome to me making it up to my blog and my readers!<br />
<br />
IT'S A FIVE YEAR BLOGOVERSARY GIVEAWAY PARTY.<br />
<br />
Or shall I say, par-tay?<br />
<br />
First, a heartfelt thank you to my tried and true blog readers (some of you have been around since the verrrry beginning), and my newish blog readers (sorry for being such a sporadic poster). I love reading your comments and I always have.<br />
<br />
Second, since this is a blogoversary and all, here are my five favorite blog posts from over the years, in chronological order.<br />
<br />
1. Saturday, September 27, <b>2008</b><br />
<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2008/09/welcome-to-funnylaughter-anyone.html">Welcome to The Funny...Laughter Anyone???</a><br />
<br />
2. Wednesday, November 18, <b>2009</b><br />
<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2009/11/one-old-soul.html">One Old Soul</a><br />
<br />
3. Sunday, March 14, <b>2010 </b>(Yes, I'm cheating, because there are four different posts below. They're linked to what I call the <a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2010/03/quote.html?showComment=1267933610260">"4Ds to getting published"</a> or achieving your dream, whatever the dream may be)<br />
<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2010/03/d-1-drive.html?showComment=1268910745133">D #1 DRIVE</a><br />
<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2010/03/d-2-determination.html?showComment=1269237642092">D #2 Determination</a><br />
<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2010/03/d-3-desire.html">D # 3 Desire</a><br />
<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2010/03/d-4-destiny.html">D # 4 Destiny</a><br />
<br />
4. Monday, February 21, <b>2011</b><br />
<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2011/02/push-yourself-out-of-nest.html">Push Yourself Out of the Nest</a><br />
<br />
5. Thursday, April 19, <b>2012</b><br />
<a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-its-really-like-to-be-published.html">What It's REALLY Like to be Published</a><br />
<br />
Third, I'd like to liven things up around here. How about a giveaway? Huh? Sound good?<br />
<br />
I thought it might be a cool experience for me to annotate both CRACKED and EMPTY. I'll even sign them and wrap them up with a bow. Presto-blamo! Prize pack! I'll throw in an EMPTY magnet, bookmark, and Books of Wonder (NYC) tote bag to make it even more prizetastic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfWy0CPuZB7C3otr2IpLEdykvT44ktz7ieeYH8moY1dcCSWCC3I4GetHC4DTGX4sSmSBOfV0HEvg5oOZLeF9ihp_-2FSncfX6MkDEOGfsRy1W8ihyPXTV29uw42cvcegGNiMS1BOzu44/s1600/5+yr+prize+pack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfWy0CPuZB7C3otr2IpLEdykvT44ktz7ieeYH8moY1dcCSWCC3I4GetHC4DTGX4sSmSBOfV0HEvg5oOZLeF9ihp_-2FSncfX6MkDEOGfsRy1W8ihyPXTV29uw42cvcegGNiMS1BOzu44/s400/5+yr+prize+pack.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's how to enter:<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6585e92/" id="rc-6585e92" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-61061233553079493492013-06-26T08:00:00.000-04:002013-06-26T08:00:07.808-04:00Super Swag Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://laurisareyes.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRvsI5MnNzsikl6ntrO2ZMbWbUQ8teLUdQqxI7XKk2rjAliOeNfY_Y7zi4PisoFePHKVcqzls4FkNpFEHN0cOTv_GuwKiZH-IVCUqvuHRj8CkfsZpJf_akMCpQpq_6KJfgRB6M7l-PRQ/s400/superswagbanner2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today is the day my books will be highlighted over on <a href="http://laurisareyes.blogspot.com/">Laurisa Reyes's blog</a>. Laurisa is the originator and organizer of the week-long SUPER SWAG SUNDAY giveaway and the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Rock-Ivanore-Celestine-Chronicles/dp/1933718609/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365742749&sr=8-1&keywords=the+rock+of+ivanore">THE ROCK OF IVANORE</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Enchanter-Celestine-Chronicles/dp/1933718935/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365742792&sr=1-1&keywords=the+last+enchanter">THE LAST ENCHANTER</a>.<br />
<br />
You can enter the giveaway here, with the Rafflecopter below or you can visit <a href="http://laurisareyes.blogspot.com/">Laurisa's blog</a> and check out all of the wonderful authors being highlighted today!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a class="rafl" display="" e98="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" id="rc-79201e98" rafl="" www.rafflecopter.com="">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/79201e98/</a>"
rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</span><br />
<br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-79281047895463420682013-06-16T12:56:00.001-04:002013-06-16T13:03:55.870-04:00Secret LessonIn honor of Father's Day, and my father, who I lost to cancer when he was only fifty-one, I wrote this essay. I wrote it back in 1999, two years after his passing.<br />
<br />
This is for anyone who has a complicated relationship with their dad.<br />
<br />
<br />
SECRET LESSON <br />
<br />
My attic is not empty, on the contrary it is full of my past, boxes and crates full of my past. I keep a lot of ridiculously important things. No one else understands the importance of saving the pebble I nervously played with during my first “real” kiss. That meaningful piece of stone lives with my cream polyester eighth grade graduation dress and my Yoda pencil box. My crunchy soph hop corsage and my It’s a GIRL cigar from when I was born. My box of eight teeth I had pulled before my braces went on in 1978 and my braid I proudly wore as the ever popular “tail” in the 80s, still braided, and looking like all it needs is a little superglue and a neck to call home again. Odd I know, but I can’t seem to part with what I mistily call “my life’s memorabilia”.<br />
<br />
My husband simply calls it junk.<br />
<br />
The reason I have the peculiar desire to save all of life’s trinkets can be blamed on my father. As a little girl I vividly remember playing with my father’s memorabilia. I naively thought of it as “daddy’s stuff”. The miniature camera, the small worn out box filled with boy scout pins and patches, and the little guy made out of a roll of lifesavers. They were my father’s memories, his treasures tucked neatly into his night table drawer.<br />
<br />
Being little also meant that my daddy still communicated with me, on my level, by being silly and playing “pile on the tickle monster”. My three sisters and I would pile every loose table cloth, bed covering, and towel on top of him. You name it, if it wasn’t in the safety of a closet or a drawer it was fair game for the pile. He would lay perfectly still on the living room floor, buried under the Mt. Everest of piles. Slowly he would emerge, unleashing the ferocious tickle creature. We screamed and carried on as the beast from the pile used his paws of laughter on each of us. That was my daddy, and I loved him.<br />
<br />
As my body hit puberty, rebelling against me, growing unfamiliar oddities all over it, I secretly played with my father’s night table treasures, spreading them out on his bedroom carpet enjoying their oldness. I would try to imagine my father playing with his tiny camera, wondering what kind of pictures he took as a child. Those thoughts always left me feeling safe.<br />
<br />
It would be nice and flowery to tell you that we had the perfect father/daughter relationship, but the reality was that we did not. Puberty afforded me a training bra and opinions. My father shut down. <br />
<br />
I no longer squealed “Daddy’s home!” while running and doing a perfect 10.0 spring board jump into his arms. My teenage voice would nonchalantly mutter, “Hi, Dad” sometimes an hour after he’d been home. He no longer connected emotionally with me. My choice of conversation was either an argument or a stale verbal exchange like, “Where are my scissors?!” or “Unpack the dishwasher please.” My mom would always say, “He does love you in his own weird way.” Those words of intended encouragement confused my teenage mind. The confusion led to frustration and I began to construct the brick wall – the one that separated my father and me.<br />
<br />
I blamed him for the father he wasn’t. I wanted to spend hours talking to him about who I was and what my dreams were. I wanted his advice, from a guy’s point of view, to help me as I skipped through the landmines of adolescence. I wanted tight hugs to reassure me and silence my self doubts. I wanted compliments forcing me to feel beautiful even with my frizzy hair and braces. I wanted the dad from Sixteen Candles.<br />
<br />
As I grew into an adult I needed more, I wanted phone calls filled with deep connecting discussion and short little “just checking on you” calls too. I wanted invitations to visit and go places with him. Basically, I wanted all that he wasn’t. However, strangely enough, I think that silent teenage ritual of inspecting his night table treasures fulfilled one of my needs, the need to be connected to him and I unknowingly followed in his footsteps.<br />
<br />
I still vividly remember saving my first piece of personal history. My thirteen year old hand, excited with sweat, clutched the one end of a neon green light stick as my red headed freckle faced dream boy held onto the other. We clumsily skated round and round Skate Odyssey to Springsteen’s Hungry Heart. How in the world could I have tossed that glowing wand from my passionately romantic “couples skate”? That was only the beginning of my collection. I began to gather and store, slowly amassing, slowly living, slowly growing up.<br />
<br />
In retrospect there was nothing slow about growing up, my childhood quickly escaped me, my life pushed forward. I went to college. Fell in love, hard, and married the best guy alive. We were moving into our first house and my husband threatened to “go through” my boxes of memorabilia to help me get rid of the junk. I sweetly informed him that I would “go through” my boxes and crates, secretly never expecting to do anything but go through them.<br />
<br />
Spreading out my life onto the bedroom floor I reluctantly made one painful decision after another. Should I keep the label from my first beer with the words, “drank with Sue while mom and dad were away” scrawled on the back by my ninth grade hand, or the Empire Strikes Back movie ticket stub from my twenty seventh time? These were tough questions.<br />
<br />
My mounds gradually evolved into “husband approved” piles. I have to admit, some of the things I tossed were just objects – I couldn’t even remember what they were, who they came from or why I had saved them. However, I still cringed as they were lovingly placed in the tall kitchen garbage bag. It was like throwing out one of your ears just because it got in the way of your new headband - crazy and unnecessary. I began to wonder if my dad ever had to go through this living hell, this ungodly torture, this emotional tidal wave, this rip your heart out and stomp on it with high heels kind of pain, this, this, this overwhelming feeling of loss. I wondered if he had had to make choices and consolidate his life into two neat boxes.<br />
<br />
Soon after the move my life took a turn. The kind of , “Dukes of Hazzard” turn where the car has two wheels firmly on the ground while the other two wheels are dangerously up in the air. Sickness, birth and death all arrived simultaneously. Oh the joys of life. The birth of my first child and my father’s diagnosis of cancer occurred within two weeks of each other. I shed tears of joy, tears of fear, tears of anger, tears of happiness. Tears.<br />
<br />
Close to the end, my father gave me his night table treasures, one of them being my birth announcement cigar. He fought for eight grueling months and slowly lost the battle on October 25, 1997. These events forced me to take a deep look at my father. What had I learned from him? What I realized was that I had spent years being angry with my dad for all that he wasn’t, this of course blinded me to all that he was.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
He was a sentimental man who took countless photographs and movies of my family, because he wanted to. He was a man who could fix, build, design and repair anything, a true gift. He loved to read Steven King or Tom Clancy and he passed that love onto me. He was a man who did love me but didn’t know how to love me. He was a man whose deep feelings lived in what he saved. He was a man who moved slowly through his life weighing his choices with precision.<br />
<br />
Everything in today’s world is so fast, so use it now and get rid of it, disposable this, disposable that. I long for the days when memories lived in the safety of a night table drawer or the warmth of an attic. Do we even have attics today? Is it so wrong to keep the junk that makes up our past? Doesn’t it keep us all connected to who we once were and what our dreams were as children? These things are the proof we need that we were cool, we did dance, and make out, and have a mohawk, and aspire to be an archaeologist who sings opera in here spare time.<br />
<br />
Unknowingly, I learned that life’s trinkets are for the keeping, from a man I did love. My father taught me to save the sweet little things for the future when life gets challenging. His miniature camera no longer took photographs, its job was promoted to touchable memory, a memory forced to take up space and be – not just live in the fragile mind. By saving my birth announcement cigar he saved a living snapshot for himself, to pull out and enjoy whenever he needed it.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
You know what, Dad – I do the same exact thing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-w9z1zeyhRv3pk5S9Q7cqJcRavXPIbp3O5amXUB0GaSGDzP7NnzWBgapiiB7hQwNoE-selAOQ66keAN-ERLgksFOFP4Hha0KyYI_pkqUHPCUUMG4KcvSelAg6clmhPO3Nf5sQ7Zrg-A/s1600/me+and+dad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-w9z1zeyhRv3pk5S9Q7cqJcRavXPIbp3O5amXUB0GaSGDzP7NnzWBgapiiB7hQwNoE-selAOQ66keAN-ERLgksFOFP4Hha0KyYI_pkqUHPCUUMG4KcvSelAg6clmhPO3Nf5sQ7Zrg-A/s640/me+and+dad.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My father walking me down the aisle.<!--3--></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-56607246168961314242013-05-29T10:39:00.000-04:002013-06-05T09:09:40.812-04:00One reader's reaction to EMPTYI am thankful for this email from a reader. I am thankful to have readers who fully grasp what I intended. I am thankful that G. granted me permission to share the email.<br />
<br />
<i>Good afternoon,</i><br />
<br />
<i>Just wanted to say that I read Empty and it was incredibly powerful. I've read several novels with a similar subject matter (including Cracked) but this one was different. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">*SPOILER ALERT* </span></b></i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<b>Seriously, don't keep reading if you don't want the ending of the book spoiled for you. Which, by the way, never occurred to me when I initially posted this (um, duh, Kate), but luckily I have a good friend who gave me the business for wrecking the ending for her (sorry, Rina!!).</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>In other words, if you haven't read the book yet. Just stop here. Don't worry, you can always come back and read what this lovely reader thinks.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>If you've already read the novel, well, hugs and high-fives to you! <i>And </i>you have my full permission to scroll down and read the rest of the wonderful letter.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
LETTER CONTINUED...<br />
You've been warned...<br />
<br />
<i>It was interesting (but very effective) that you chose to end the novel with Dell's suicide rather than an ending where she gets help and everything works out just fine. Although it's nice to see the character get better and everyone be their friend again, you definitely highlight the reality of the situation. A lot of people who get bullied in school or generally feel like their life sucks are too scared to ask for help, even though there are tons of people out there that would be more than willing to help and improve their situation. Although novels where the character receives help and turns out fine are uplifting to those considering suicide and having other issues in their life, Empty shows that there are still people out there who do not receive help even when they desperately need it and feel that suicide is the only way out. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Empty provides valuable lessons for all. It shows that everyone has feelings and issues they are dealing with. Nobody deserves to be treated the way Dell was and it makes me think twice about saying something even remotely disrespectful to or about someone. You just don't know what people are going through in their life and making rude comments about them will only aggravate their tensions. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>So once again, thank you! I hope your novels will encourage many teens to seek help early for problems and treat others like they want to be treated! </i><br />
<br />
<i>Sincerely,</i><br />
<i>G.</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-72903821140366902192013-05-22T09:08:00.000-04:002013-05-22T09:08:11.092-04:00The Madeleine ProjectThe lovely Kristina Perez reached out to me a few months ago, asking if I'd like to participate in <a href="http://proust.kristinaperez.com/">The Madeleine Project</a> by answering the <a href="http://proust.kristinaperez.com/questionnairehistory/">Proust Questionnaire</a>. I said yes.<br />
<br />
The questions weren't ones I've answered before - they made me "go deep".<br />
<br />
A teaser to entice you so that you'll click from here to visit there:<br />
<br />
You'll find out when I lie.<br />
<br />
You'll find out what talents I would most like to have.<br />
<br />
You'll find out who my literary hero is.<br />
<br />
You'll find out what needs to happen before I can die happy.<br />
<br />
And there's music and a photograph of me with a celebrity.<br />
<br />
Hopefully I've intrigued you. Click <a href="http://proust.kristinaperez.com/kmwalton/">HERE </a>if I have.K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-27969004888999526072013-04-25T10:09:00.004-04:002013-04-25T10:09:54.125-04:00Hudson Children's Book FestivalIf you live in the Hudson, NY area and you love children's books (picture book through young adult) then this qualifies as the PERFECT DAY!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com/">HUDSON CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL</a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCRKIAI96it1aRDGPSYtThFhjnKlyyTSJNsUq2Zw89SHIVOzcQqT-F1WeNUs9QLFSLI1kGhA3NbeG0_-lJqOkS9J1_iNNOe9rgcCWsRYca8WqOM3LYGn2cOXxuBQtMfzYLvRh-cOxx-w/s640/HCBF+poster.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am one of the ninety authors, so please stop by and say hello! </div>
<br />K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-74611804131684943872013-04-09T11:18:00.001-04:002013-04-09T11:18:42.556-04:00Tenacity<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">: ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : )</span></b><br />
<br />
I've got this smile that won't seem to leave my face. See, I love it when hard work and persistence pay off - especially for a friend. Christina Lee, my critique partner and friend, has landed a two book deal with Penguin for her New Adult novels - ALL OF YOU releases September 2013. Book deals in general have a way of making me smile, but when they happen to people I respect and adore, all the better.<br />
<br />
Christina has worked very hard and deserves to be on the happy cloud she is no doubt floating upon at the moment. <b><span style="color: magenta;">CONGRATULATIONS, CHRISTINA!!</span></b> If you'd like to congratulate her as well, pop over to her blog - click <a href="http://www.write-brained.com/2013/04/my-big-announcement.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
You can read about her exciting deal over at <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/book-deals/article/56698-book-deals-week-of-april-8-2013.html">Publishers Weekly</a>.<br />
<br />
You can follow her on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Christina_Lee04">@Christina_Lee04</a><br />
Visit her blog: <a href="http://www.write-brained.com/">Write Brained</a><br />
Peruse her incredible hand-stamped jewelry: <a href="http://www.write-brained.com/p/my-jewelry.html">Tags-n-Stones</a><br />
<br />
<br />K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-662322234458335783.post-9024029862817177212013-03-25T14:09:00.000-04:002013-03-25T17:03:31.500-04:00NYC Teen Author Festival A recap of my favorite moments from the NYC Teen Author Festival, in countdown form.<br />
<br />
10. <i>Not </i>fumbling when I read from EMPTY during my panel discussion. I practiced beforehand like a good little author.<br />
<br />
9. Only blanking out once during said panel discussion. I got nervous up there in front of all those people, and my brain found obscene pleasure in eviscerating what I was going to say. Like, poof. Here's how it went down, in blow-by-blow for you: I stared for a few seconds, swallowed my heart, cracked a lame joke at my own expense, asked for the question to be repeated, took a deep breath, and it allllll came back to me. Whoosh. That only happened once.<br />
<br />
8. Having my agent (Sarah LaPolla), my editor (Annette Pollert), and the Vice President of Simon Pulse (Bethany Buck) all come to my panel was a wonderful show of support. I am a lucky author.<br />
<br />
7. Being on a panel with five incredibly talented women who each brought such interesting points of view to the discussion.<br />
Caela Carter (ME, HIM, THEM, and IT)<br />
Eireann Corrigan (THE BELIEVING GAME)<br />
Alissa Grosso (FEROCITY SUMMER)<br />
Terra Elan McVoy (BEING FRIENDS WITH BOYS)<br />
Jacquelyn Mitchard (WHAT WE SAW AT NIGHT)<br />
<br />
6. Having the witty and kind and all-around-awesome Aaron Hartzler (RAPTURE PRACTICE) be our panel moderator. He asked well thought out questions and made everyone feel welcomed and comfortable.<br />
<br />
5. Staying at the cool, boutique <a href="http://www.cassahotelny.com/">Cassa Hotel</a>. I highly recommend it for the service, the outstanding breakfast menu, the sleek decor, and the outrageously comfortable bed.<br />
<br />
4. Getting to see so many wonderful <a href="http://apocalypsies.blogspot.com/2010/11/meet-apocalypsies.html">Apocalypsie </a>friends throughout the weekend - E.C. Myers, Leanna Renee Hieber, Hilary Weisman Graham, Gina Damico, Tiffany Schmidt, Zoraida Cordova, and Kimberly Sabatini. What a tremendously lovely and supportive bunch.<br />
<br />
3. Seeing and chatting with two of my favorite people on earth, A. S. King and Beth Kephart. They just make me smile with their genuineness.<br />
<br />
2. Meeting up with two more of my favorite people on earth, Sarah LaPolla and Annette Pollert. Having them on my "author team", and getting to talk books and life with them over a soy cappuccino was a slice of heaven.<br />
<br />
1. Talking one-on-one with THE <a href="http://jackiemitchard.com/">Jacquelyn Mitchard</a> after our panel ("talking" is a generous term here, it was more along the lines of me fangirling her and blabbering on and on about how much I still love THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN). When I took a breath and let the woman speak, she said, "Oh, aren't you so sweet." I asked if she would mind signing my 1996 hardback that I brought with me. She didn't mind. She signed it: <i>To Kate, my word sister.</i> Kind of the best thing ever.<br />
<br />
*Someone just tweeted a link to this <a href="http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/nyc-teen-author-festival-2013-making-bad-decisions">article </a>and photo. I'm quoted in the article and in the photo. Whoa.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<br />
On a different but <span style="color: red;">VERY EXCITING</span> note, CRACKED has won rounds 1, 2, and 3 of the <a href="http://chickloveslit.com/2013/03/yamm-elite-eight.html">YA March Madness</a> competition. It has made it to the <a href="http://chickloveslit.com/2013/03/yamm-elite-eight.html">Elite Eight </a>round!! To anyone who voted, thank you!<br />
<br />
PLEASE keep voting. Click <a href="http://chickloveslit.com/2013/03/yamm-elite-eight.html">HERE </a>to cast votes. CRACKED is the little book that could.K. M. Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167022736028223997noreply@blogger.com