THANK YOU
Every now and then there’s a story that won’t stop brewing in the back of my mind (especially when I should be doing other things, HA!), and Center of Gravity was one of them. For some reason, just the idea of trying to translate my passion for dance into the written word seemed daunting. I am so glad I listened to my heart, that I pushed through the doubt, and wrote a story that so many of you already love. Thank you so much for reading. Thank you for joining me on Lex and Theo’s amazing journey.
Now, to pull the curtain back and show you all the folks who helped make this magic happen. My people. My tribe. My inspiration. If it weren’t for the following rock stars, I do not know if this story would be in your hands today.
Kristen, Puck, Kris, Sis. I love you to the moon and back. I have so many amazing memories with you, which all came flooding back while writing this story. Always an inspiration, a gracious and loving soul, an amazing dancer, and an amazing friend. You are one of a kind, and I’m so lucky to get to love you.
To my fellow dance sisters and brothers, from the studio, high school, college, the gym, wherever we met, please know that a part of our time together is in this novel.
To all the dance studios, and choreographers, and dancers that throw their hearts on the floor and share it for the world to see on YouTube. And to the video production teams who capture that passion. You are such an inspiration for all, especially our younger generation, and I hope you continue to spread that joy. It’s powerful, and beautiful, and as my readers now know, addictive AF. Shoutout to Jade Chynoweth, JoJo Gomez, Tim Milgram (T.Milly), Nicole Kirkland, Blake McGrath, Kyle Hanagami, Nika Kljun, and Millennium Dance Complex for posting some of the most inspiring choreography and dancing I have ever seen. It was a pleasure to share your art in my story.
Lindsey, AKA, “The Boss of K.K. Allen” (snorts), I love you big. You are truly my rock, my friend, the greatest partner in crime. I cannot wait for the day I get see your beautiful face in real life.
To my incredible Badass Beta team. Sammie, you were rereading this bad boy until the very last second. In fact, you’re still reading through this book while I’m writing these words. Thank you so much. I adore you for so many amazing reasons, but it’s our friendship I value most of all. You, my babe, are my unicorn. Cyndi, I always love your feedback, your excitement over my stories, and our daily mommy chats. Thank you for always being there. Taylor, you are phenomenal. Your enthusiasm over Theo and Lex sparked something in me I will never forget. You brought me back to life at a time I needed it most. Thank you! To Thessa. Girl, I am so glad we met, and I cannot wait to hang with you in February. Thank you for stepping up at the last minute to read Lex and Theo’s story. Now you’ll never get rid of me ;).
To my early Alphas, who helped to steer this story in the right direction, Lauren and Sue. Love you both so much.
Lynn with Red Adept Editing, thank you so much for being an absolute doll and offering wonderful talent to work with me on this book. I am blessed to say that I’ve worked with your team. To Jessica, my lovely developmental editor. Your feedback was brilliant, and just what I needed to bring this story to life. To Angela, I am so grateful for your feedback and advice. I hope we can work together again.
Lauren Watson Perry from Perrywinkle Photography. It has been a dream to work with you, and I’m so glad we finally had the opportunity. This was the perfect project, and you gave me the perfect Lex and Theo. Thank you so much for everything. I cannot wait to work with you again.
Sarah Hansen with Okay Creations. You are such a joy to work with. I can trust you with anything, and I know you’ll spin it into gold. Thank you for being consistently fabulous.
To my formatting guru, Nadége with Inkstain Designs. You blow me away, girl. I am so happy we finally get to work together in this capacity! Thank you for making my words look extra beautiful.
For this release I was blessed beyond words to work with Social Butterfly PR. Emily, thank you for always being there and holding me a little through our first release together. I adore you! And to Nina, thank you for everything you do!
To my babes from Do Not Disturb and 30 Days to 60K (can we please change this name now? LOL) Y’all were my rocks while writing this book, and I cannot imagine this author life without you all.
To my Angsters, for being the best, most badass street team out there. Thank you, babes!
To all my loves in my reader group, Forever Young. I love you all more than words. You make me smile on the daily, just by sharing space with you on the interwebs. You make this author life extra fantastic. Thank you!
To my family, thank you (as always), for supporting me, lifting me, and helping my dreams become a reality. None of this would exist without you. I LOVE YOU.
Lastly, and most important, thank you, dear reader, for spending your precious time with this story. I hope you were entertained, and if you didn’t love dance before, I hope you have a special appreciation for it now.
All my love,
XOXO
K.K.