What Happens After Midnight, page 26
To Annie Berger, my editor: I can’t believe we’ve been together for three books! As always, thank you for your guidance and insight; I have learned so much from you and look forward to our next collaboration. Although I apologize in advance for the extraneous detail and flashback action that I’m sure will be present in my first draft.
Everyone at Sourcebooks! Thea Voutiritsas, Madison Nankervis, Gabbi Calabrese, Laura Boren, and my cover artist Josephine Rais. It has been a pleasure working with you and bringing Lily’s story to life. A special shout-out to Steph Bohrer for such an awesome cover reveal!
I am beyond grateful to my beta readers: Kelly Townsend, for staying up until all hours of the night reading. Never stop sending me stream-of-consciousness texts! Sarah DePietro, you are still my most trusted creative consultant (and a godmother too wonderful for words). And Kismet Jamison, thank you for reading a half-finished Word doc and encouraging me to keep going. You have no idea how much I needed that boost.
Micheal Perzi, for being one kick-ass woman! While our dynamic duo-ship was far too short, I enjoyed every conversation and consider you a mentor to this day. I wish you nothing but the best.
Thank you to my family at Barnes & Noble. I know I talk nonstop about the good, the bad, and the ugly of my writing and that I’m too stringent about shelving, but thank you for embracing it! Your support means the world to me. Paul Byrne, you are one of the kindest people I know, and I am incredibly fortunate to have you in my corner.
To Anthony Brambilla, for your art direction and spending hours on my website (I still can’t believe I got away with only paying you in Chinese food). Thank you for the clowning around, the sight-sorting smackdowns, and for being my friend. #Yentas
Michael Atkins, I remember you hanging out in my dorm room while I drafted my novice manuscript. In some ways, it feels like yesterday, but as you love reminding me, it was actually a millennium ago. I smile at the hyperbole, thankful that you remain one of my closest confidants.
And Dan Heintz, for the last time, I did not name Daniel after you! Will you please believe me now that I’ve put it in writing? But fine, sure, okay, thank you for Tag’s tattoo (and for loving my sister the way that you do).
Forever thanks to Madison Darby Palmer; there is no one I am more grateful to be friends with than you. I really did know after that tie-dye afternoon that our friendship would be a lifelong marathon, not a simple sprint. You are the Alex to my Tag, the Tag to my Alex. XO, K.
Christopher: Howdy, partner! Navy blue might be the best color, but I am so happy to be in the lavender haze with you (open a new tab and look it up). You see me, hear me, and support me—and man, do you make me laugh. I strive to do the same for you, recharge hugs and all.
My family. Ross and Mary Lou Webber, thank you for hosting several writing retreats! Long weekends in Haddonfield did wonders for my work, and watching the Olympics together will always have a special place in my heart. As one of eighteen grandchildren, I felt spoiled having my grandparents all to myself.
Timmy and Tommy Tibble, my siblings: I loved childhood with you, but I might love adulting with you even more. You are both clever, confident, and exceptional human beings. It’s a privilege to watch you each make your way in the world, even if you still rib me every chance you get!
Thank you, Mom, for always encouraging me to return to this book’s premise. You are its unrivaled champion, and after so many walks on the canal and the beach, here we are—holding it in our hands. None of this would’ve been possible without your love and support. I pitched Leda and Lily’s relationship as Lorelai and Rory, but in every one of their scenes, I imagined Jen and Kaethe.
Dad, the original Jester. You lived such a life and were a masterful storyteller; it is no wonder we asked you to “tell us about the time you stole the yearbooks!” at the dinner table so often. It pains me that you cannot read this book, but I take comfort in the fact that I shared its first iteration with you. I remember you laughing and telling me I had something, and to this day, I know how proud you are of me.
Lastly, to the St. George’s School Class of 1982: I’m sorry you didn’t get answers until your tenth reunion, but in the end, wasn’t it worth it?
AUTHOR BIO
K. L. Walther was born and raised in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by family, dogs, and books. Her childhood was spent traveling the northeastern seaboard to play ice hockey. She attended a boarding school in New Jersey and went on to earn a BA in English from the University of Virginia. She is happiest on the beach with a book, cheering for the New York Rangers, or enjoying a rom-com while digging into a big bowl of popcorn and M&Ms. Find her on Instagram @klwalther9 or visit her at klwalther.com.
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K. L. Walther, What Happens After Midnight
