Picture a Southern storyteller spinning tales of love, identity, and growing up in the heart of Georgia—meet Will Walton! Born in 1991, this young adult author has captured readers’ hearts with his poignant, heartfelt novels that dive deep into the messy, beautiful complexities of adolescence. From his Lambda Literary Award-nominated debut to his innovative prose-poetry mashups, Walton’s work is a vibrant blend of queer joy and Southern charm.
By day, Walton is a bookseller at Avid Bookshop in Athens, Georgia, where his love for stories and community shines. His unique voice, shaped by a rural upbringing and a passion for pop music, makes him a standout in contemporary YA literature. Let’s explore the world of Will Walton and why his stories resonate so deeply.
The Making of Will Walton
Born on October 20, 1991, in Perry, Georgia, Will Walton grew up on farmland, surrounded by the magic of the outdoors. As a kid, he devoured Nancy Drew mysteries and penned Alex Mac fanfiction, edited lovingly by his grandma. Books like Marguerite Henry’s Justin Morgan Had a Horse sparked his imagination, connecting him to his aunt’s childhood and affirming his love for stories with emotional depth. Raised in a religious Protestant community, Walton faced suppression but found solace in reading and writing, which became his outlet for self-expression.
After moving to Athens to attend the University of Georgia, Walton’s path to authorship took shape. In 2012, he joined Avid Bookshop as a volunteer, later becoming a bookseller. This role introduced him to David Levithan, the founding editor of Scholastic’s PUSH imprint, who would publish Walton’s debut novel. His rural roots and queer identity would later infuse his work with authenticity and heart.
Will Walton’s Unforgettable Stories
Walton’s debut, Anything Could Happen (2015), is a tender coming-of-age tale about Tretch, a gay teen in a small Southern town, navigating unrequited love for his straight best friend. Nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, the novel blends humor, heartache, and hope, capturing the universal struggle of self-acceptance. Its authentic portrayal of queer adolescence earned praise for its emotional resonance.
In 2018, Walton released I Felt a Funeral, in My Brain, a bold novel-in-verse that follows Avery, a teen grappling with grief, addiction, and love. Written in a lyrical prose-poetry style, it’s a raw, innovative exploration of pain and healing. Critics lauded its originality, noting its ability to transform suffering into art. Walton’s work often tackles heavy themes—identity, trauma, queerness—but with a light, accessible touch that invites readers in.
His storytelling is marked by vivid characters, Southern settings, and a knack for blending emotional depth with pop culture flair. Influenced by queer icons like Todd Haynes and Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Willow, Walton subverts traditional narratives, creating stories that feel both intimate and universal.
Why Will Walton Matters
Will Walton’s impact lies in his ability to give voice to queer Southern teens, a group often overlooked in literature. His novels offer a safe space for readers to explore identity and belonging, resonating with anyone who’s felt like an outsider. By weaving queer experiences into universal stories, Walton bridges gaps, fostering empathy and understanding. His work at Avid Bookshop also strengthens Athens’ literary community, making him a local hero.
As a Lambda Literary Award nominee, Walton has carved a niche in YA fiction, proving that small-town stories can have global reach. His innovative style and fearless exploration of complex emotions ensure his legacy as a vital voice in contemporary literature.
About Will Walton
- Born: October 20, 1991, in Perry, Georgia
- Key Works: Anything Could Happen (2015), I Felt a Funeral, in My Brain (2018)
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award nominee for Anything Could Happen
- Fun Fact: Walton is a pop music fanatic and works at Avid Bookshop in Athens, Georgia.
Snag Anything Could Happen or I Felt a Funeral, in My Brain and dive into Will Walton’s heartfelt, queer Southern stories today!