Saturday night was the epic launch party for debut author K.M. Walton, held at the Chester County Book & Music Company. Her novel, CRACKED, is a YA Contemporary told from two perspectives - a bully and his victim. Set in the confines of a psych ward, two characters (with very different stories) take readers on an emotional journey addressing the roots of one bully's actions and the coping strategies of his target.On a side note, this is the first live release party I've attended, and it was the most encouraging evening in my writing journey thus far. Aside from being a talented writer, teacher, and creative mind, Kate has a gift for showing others how to believe in themselves. In her opening speech, she shared one of her life motto's: If you want something, make it happen. Her words make believers out of all of us; her journey reminds us hard work can pay off.
Since coming home Saturday night, I've been a revision machine. I've seen how far a writing project can go; I've seen where our stories can eventually land.
And even though I have not finished the entire book, the first 250 pages are fantastic. I recommend CRACKED to readers of all ages.
The Publisher's Blurb:
In this gripping debut, a teen takes a bottle of pills and lands in the psych ward with the bully who drove him to attempt suicide.Victor hates his life. He’s relentlessly bullied at school and his parents constantly ridicule him at home.
Bull is angry. He’s sick of his grandfather’s drunken beatings. And he likes to take out his rage on Victor.
Determined to end it all, Victor takes a bottle of his mother’s sleeping pills—only to be disappointed when he wakes up in the psych ward. And his roommate? None other than Bull, whose loaded-gun effort at self-defense has been labeled as a suicide attempt. Things go from bad to worse—until the boys discover they might just have something in common: a reason to live.
Blogger Recaps:
Christine Danek (also hosting a signed giveaway of CRACKED)
Frankie Diane Mallis (with vlogs I refused to be in)
Simon C. Larter (with alcoholic beverages, but I don't think he's sharing)
Kelly Lyman (who passes Kate's life challenge to each of us)
K.M. Walton (the author herself, who has lots of promotional events explained on her blog and website - http://www.kmwalton.com/)
How cool is this cake?
Where can you get a copy?
Powell’s
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
On that note, I'm headed to work. No, you don't hear me crying. There's no crying in retail (okay, that was probably the biggest lie EVER).
What's new with everyone? How's 2012 treating you so far?? Reading anything good? Fill me in!
That's cool so many of you got together for the launch party. I've already seen quite a few pictures.
ReplyDeleteLaunch parties are awesome! This sounds like a great book. I just read Ashfall by Mike Mullin. Very exciting read!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to meet you, Paul! Let your readers know we have plenty of copies at Chester County Book & Music Company (ccbmc.com) and yes we can mail them anywhere in the country.
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Didn't know you also work in retail. There's plenty of crying in retail after the holidays are over. But there are a lot of smiles around here this week, thanks to Kate!
And that cake was our surprise for her. It was baked by my co-worker, Cindy.
Glad the launch party inspired you to get cracking on your writing again!
ReplyDeleteI love Kate's life motto!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good book :)
ReplyDeleteShe is an inspiration. Okay, she's awesome and her motto is on a post-it stuck to my screen. Thanks for the mention. I like how you refuse to be in Frankie's vlogs. She will get you, one day. :) Good to chat with you again. Now, get writing. :)
ReplyDeleteAnother great one to add to my list? Okay! :)
ReplyDelete