Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Catalyst Audiobook, Giveaway, Book Recs & More!

It's my favorite time of year!

The holidays are quickly approaching and the Hallmark movies are calling my name. Anyone else want to curl up with a blanket and a good book (or holiday movie) during this time of year? Maybe even listen to an audiobook? (wink, wink)

I have some exciting news that may add to your holiday joy. Catalyst is now an audiobook, narrated by the extremely talented Victoria Connolly!


If you want to listen to the audiobook and hear how Victoria was able to bring the cast of characters to life, then you can purchase your own copy on Audible or Amazon.

To top it off, I'm giving away 5 FREE COPIES of the Catalyst audiobook. How can you enter to win this amazing prize, you ask? Well, it's easy. Simply reply to this blog post and tell me, "I want it!" and you will automatically be entered to win. Five winners will be chosen using a random generator. Good luck!



News!

I have a new agent! I'm excited to announce that I'm now represented by literary agent Heather Cashman with Storm Literary. Literary agents are highly selective and are considered the gatekeepers between an author and large publishing houses (also known as the Big 5). For those who are seeking to traditionally publish their work, a literary agent is essential. I'm so happy to work with Heather and begin this next chapter of my publishing journey. She signed me for a YA magical realism, but she's working with me on several other books in my backlist. Super excited to see where this partnership takes us!

What Am I Working on Now?

You're probably wondering what's next for me now that the Deception Game series is finished. The good news is that I have more completed books, currently in the hands of my very capable literary agent, with more in the works.

For my current WIP (work in progress), I am completely switching gears. From YA to adult, from dystopian to romcom. I am loving writing something a little more light-hearted and fun. I hope to finish the first draft in the coming weeks.


Publishing Tip 101

I've had a lot of people ask me recently how to get a book published, so I figured it was only appropriate to share that information here. Maybe it will help one of you who are also wondering what it takes to get a book published.

There are many paths to publication, but here are the 3 main ones:

1) Traditional (Literary agent submits to Big 5 or imprint)
2) Small Press
3) Self-Publishing


Let's start with traditional publishing, or in this case, where a writer submits their work to a literary agent in the hopes that the agent will want to sign them and represent them. As I mentioned before, a literary agent is the gatekeeper to the bigger publishing houses. For many of the larger publishing houses, a writer has to have an agent submit their work for them. Most of the large publishing houses do not accept manuscripts from unagented writers. Agents also have their pulse on the market, so they know what's selling and what editors at these publishing houses are looking for. So to traditionally publish with a Big 5 or one of its imprints, you need to have a literary agent.

However, there are many smaller presses who DO accept manuscripts from unagented writers. So if a writer chooses to go this route, they will do their research and then submit their work themselves to these publishing houses. Often times, this means smaller advances (or no advances at all) and less exposure when the book releases.

The third option for getting a book published is self-publishing. Writers will often choose this route because a) they have a really great book that has been overlooked by agents and editors; b) they don't want to fool with trying to get an agent or editor; c) they like to have all creative control. Self-publishing means a writer does everything themselves, from hiring an editor and book cover designer to formatting the interior of the book to marketing and promos. The writer takes on all of the responsibility, but also receives all of the profits (once Amazon, B&N, etc takes their cut).

I personally have dabbled in each one of these publishing options at some point in my writing career. No one way is better than another; it's about a writer's personal journey and what works the best for them. In the end, the goal of any writer is to create a great piece of work and get it into the hands of readers.

Book Recommendations

Looking for some good books to read over the holidays? Well, I have some recommendations for you! My good friend, Michelle Mason, recently released her YA book, My Second Impression of You. If you love sweet romcoms with lovable characters, then you'll love this one.

"Perfect for fans of Tweet Cute and Instant Karma, this YA romcom is a heartfelt story about a girl who thinks she knows everything about love -- until she relives a day and discovers she had it all wrong."




If you love adult romcoms, then I have an adorable one for you! Sarah Adams is the queen of sweet (not too spicy!) romcoms, and I promise she'll have you laughing out loud for most of the book. The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams is about a former professional ballerina who is helplessly in love with her super hot best friend, an NFL football player. But the "friend zone" is not the "end zone" for this girl who wants more than a platonic friendship.



Try This Recipe

It wouldn't be fall without a delicious apple-based dessert. Try out these yummy Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars from Sugar Apron for your next family gathering or if you're just craving something sweet. Enjoy!


Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Yield: 20-24

Ingredients:

Graham/Oats Crust:
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup melted butter, plus more for greasing the plate
  • Cheesecake Layer :
  • 2 8oz package softened cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp corn starch
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Apple Crisp Topping:
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 medium to large apple, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Caramel Topping
Directions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350F.
  2. Prepare one 9x13-inch glass pan by greasing thoroughly with butter or baking spray or a light-colored metal baking pan with foil (be sure to cover the sides—you are going to use this to lift the bars).
  3. In a mixing bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, rolled oats, melted butter and brown sugar together.
  4. Press inside the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  5. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven to cool.
  6. Meanwhile, in the bowl of your electric mixer, blend together cream cheese, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cornstarch and vanilla.
  7. Once well combined, pour on top of your graham cracker/oat crust.
  8. Arrange the thinly sliced apple on top of the cream cheese mixture in a single layer.
  9. Top with the Apple Crisp Topping. Bake at 350F for 40-50 minutes.
  10. Once it's done cooking, cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate overnight.
  11. Cut into squares. Serve with caramel drizzled over top of the cheesecake bars.

Leave a Review 

Lastly, if you've read any of the books in the Deception Game series, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting me. I hope you loved them. And if you left a review for the books, then double thank you. It's amazing how much reviews help authors in this publishing world. It shows publishers that our work is worth publishing, and it also shows Amazon that our work is worth promoting (50 reviews seems to be the magic number). So if you loved the books in the Deception Game series, but you haven't had an opportunity to leave a review yet, please consider leaving a 5-star review. It can be as simple as, "I liked it."

Thank you!





Friday, September 2, 2022

Exciting News & Catalyst Sale!

 

Happy Friday, y'all! Anyone have fun plans for Labor Day weekend? My kids barely started school, but I'm already looking forward to a three-day weekend. With that being said, I have some exciting news (as well as a book promotion!) to share with you.

But before I share my (happy) news and latest promotion, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself, especially to those who might be new to my blog. And what better way to get to know me than to play one of my favorite games—THIS or THAT!


Here goes!


 

THIS OR THAT:


Vacation or Staycation?

I love traveling and planning vacations, so if money and time permits, it’s vacation all the way.

 

Netflix or Hulu?

It would have to be Netflix for me. I binge-watch way too many shows on Netflix to consider switching to Hulu.

 

Night or morning?

I’m a night girl. But now that my kids are back in school, I’m slowly programming myself to wake up early and exercise before they leave the house.

 

Camping or glamping?

Glamping! I love nature, but I also love a good night’s sleep.


Beach or mountains?

Beach. Give me a good book, some white sand, and the sound of crashing waves, and I'm set!

 

Cooking or being cooked for?

I’ll be honest, I don’t LOVE cooking. So, any time my husband or one of my kids cooks dinner, I’m so incredibly grateful and happy.

 

Play or standup show?

Play, and if it’s a musical, even better.

 

Attend a party or host a party?

Ahh, this is a tricky one. I do love to host parties (and I especially love to plan them) but it is nice to attend someone else’s party and not have to do any of the work, lol.

 

Ketchup or Ranch?

Ranch! Perfect for dipping.

 

Board games or video games?

My kids sometimes make fun of how awful I am at video games, so that would be board games for me.

 

Instagram or Twitter?

Not a huge fan of Twitter, so definitely Instagram.

 

Pizza or Chinese food?

This is an easy one. I LOVE Chinese food and would choose it over pizza any day.

 

Laundry or dishes?

Give me the laundry, please.

 

Chocolate or vanilla?

Do you even have to ask? Of course, it’s chocolate.

 

Zombies or vampires?

Is this seriously a question? Vampires are way better than zombies.

 

Guacamole or salsa?

Definitely guacamole.


Well, that was fun! You probably know WAY more about me now than you've ever wanted to know, lol. Now, on to my exciting news!

News!

I'm super excited to announce that CATALYST is being made into an audiobook and will release in October!!

Over the years, I've had so many readers ask me when CATALYST would become an audiobook, so I'm incredibly stoked to have an amazing narrator (Victoria Connelly) bring this book to life. I've heard a sample of the book, and y'all, it is AMAZING! She's so good at portraying the emotion on the page. I can't wait for it to be out in the world!
 
SALE!

For a limited time, CATALYST (the first book in the Deception Game series) is only $0.99! Grab your copy while you can. Sale ends Tuesday, September 6th. You can purchase your copy HERE or use the link below.
Buy Now
Thank You!

I'm so grateful to everyone who helped me celebrate the release of UNBREAKABLE. It was a whirlwind of a week/month, but I loved seeing all of the beautiful book pics of UNBREAKABLE all over the internet. And, of course, my release party was a special highlight. I had lots of local friends come out and support me. Here are some of my favorite pics from Launch Week! 
Thank you, Beth Ellyn Summer, for this gorgeous pic!

Books and manicures? I'm here for it! Thanks, Tiana Smith, for this beauty!

Love this picture from the fabulously talented Leandra Wallace! <3

UNBREAKABLE book launch party decor.
UNBREAKABLE Launch Party!
Just a few of the friends who came out to support me on my special night.
Author Jamie Dalton and I before our Facebook Live event.

Grateful to all of my friends who came to help me celebrate! <3







Signing books at the UNBREAKABLE launch.


Other News

I've been busy! In case you missed it, I had the opportunity to chat with other authors during the days/weeks following my book release. On Instagram Live, I was in conversation with Michelle Mason, author of YOUR LIFE HAS BEEN DELAYED. On Facebook Live, I chatted with fantasy author Jamie Dalton. And on The Book Corner, I had the chance to talk about the DECEPTION GAME series with DC Gomez. I was also featured in an author interview on Christina Consolino's website. If you'd like to check out my interviews, you can do so at the links below.
 
Buy the Book

Also, it's not too late to grab your copy of UNBREAKABLE! The ebook is available wherever books are sold, and the paperback is available on Amazon. If you want to read the end of this thrilling, unpredictable dystopian saga, then grab your copy today!
Buy Now

Here's What Readers Are Saying About UNBREAKABLE:
"A must-read if you like: feisty, capable heroines; swoon-worthy book boyfriends; futuristic worlds with cool tech; and fast-paced adventures with a crew that has become family. With evocative writing and characters that stick with you after the last page, The Deception Games is a series that dystopian lovers need on their shelf. I'm happy for a terrific conclusion, but sad that it's over!"
"I’ve been waiting for the last book in this series for years and it did not disappoint. I started and finished this in a day. I laughed, I cried… Kristin did it again and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!!"
"Unbreakable is the amazing conclusion to The Deception Game series (my favorite dystopian series ever). Sienna, Trey, Zane and Trina (LOVED getting Trina's POV, btw) all have a voice, and, of course, a gripping journey. Fast-paced, tightly plotted, and characters that'll stay with you forever, Unbreakable is a book you'll never forget."

Buy your copy here

 

Add to Goodreads here.

 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / Google Play / Smashwords

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Unbreakable Book Blitz & Giveaway!!

Hi everyone! I'm super excited to share with you the release of UNBREAKABLE, the 4th book in the Deception Game series. This book was a labor of love, and after a long wait (VERY LONG WAIT!) it's finally out in the world. I hope it's everything readers want it to be! <3 <3 <3


Here's all of the details!

Unbreakable
Kristin Smith
(The Deception Game, #4)
Publication date: July 26th 2022
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

From best-selling and award-winning author Kristin Smith comes the riveting fourth and final book in the Deception Game series.

A terrible discovery that will change everything.

Armed with valuable information, Sienna and her friends find asylum in the east coast province of Pride. While initially grateful for Pride’s open arms, they begin to question exactly what kind of loyalties its president is after. Sienna must grapple with her new condition, Trey has to figure out how to win a war without losing Sienna, and Zane needs to recreate a gene regeneration therapy to cure Sienna without knowing if he’ll ever win her heart. When they learn Trina survived the Zenith Camp bombing, they also discover she’s been living a nightmare.

In the end, Sienna and her friends must somehow come together and fight a war for a government they aren’t sure they can trust.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo


EXCERPT:

SIENNA:

Ever since we arrived in Old Richmond, President Turner’s team of doctors have done test after test and x-ray after x-ray to determine how severely my spinal cord is damaged. And it’s all led to the same conclusion. It’s damaged beyond repair. Which means I’ll never walk again, at least, not in this life.

Am I angry? Yes. Do I feel sorry for myself? A little. But that’s not what keeps me tethered to this bed. Sadness is a weighted sandbag that drags me down, down, down. All I want to do is sleep.

Day after day, I lie on my back in a bed in a room that’s too posh to be a sick room. I let them check my blood pressure and temperature. I let them empty my catheter. I let them switch out my IV bag. And I don’t complain when they stick me with this needle and that one. For all intents and purposes, I’m alive.

And yet, I’m not.

I lost the two most important people in my life, and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover. So what that I can’t walk? So what that my life as I knew it is over? So what. So what. So what. My mom and sister are dead. Burned alive.

Death is a plague that has visited my doorstep over and over. No matter where I go, it finds me and the ones I love.

And I’m tired. So very tired. Tired of living. Tired of loving. Tired of caring.

There’s a soft knock on the door, and then Zane sticks his head in. His face lights up when he sees me. “Hey,” he says. “Can I come in?” His gaze travels to Chaz, who is asleep in a chair near the corner of the room. His head sags against his propped-up arm, his chubby cheek squished against his fist. Chaz hasn’t left my side since we got to Old Richmond. My eternal watchdog.

“Trust me,” I say, “nothing short of an explosion can wake him when he’s asleep.”

Zane chuckles at this as he crosses the room and sinks into the chair beside my bed. “How are you holding up?”

“I’ve been better.”

His face is awash in pain. “I’m really sorry, Sienna—”

“It wasn’t your fault, Zane,” I remind him. We’ve been over this again and again, but he still carries the blame. Like he could somehow have avoided the hidden explosive. The thought is absurd.

“It was,” he says, his voice firm. “But I’m going to fix it. I promise.”

“I know you will,” I say. “You can do anything you put your mind to.”

He smiles. “Your confidence in me means everything.”

A loud snore comes from the corner of the room. Zane and I exchange looks. “See?” I say. “Told you.”

When Zane laughs, it feels like a little bit of goodness has returned to the world. His laugh almost elicits a smile from me. Almost.

He reaches for my hand, then takes it in his. His hand is strong, solid, the muscles arching as he squeezes my fingers. “I’ve missed you,” he says, and it’s so sudden and completely unexpected that I’m not sure what to say back.

“I’m right here,” I joke.

“That’s not what I mean.” His eyes connect with mine, and his gaze is so intense I have to look away. “Sienna, I need to know.”

“Need to know what?”

“Is there any hope for me? For us?”

I draw in a sharp breath. I thought I spelled it out pretty well in my bedroom that night in his house before the assassin tried to kill him. Apparently not. I try to say the next words as gently as I can. “I’m with Trey now. I love Trey.”

Pain fills his eyes as his hand slips from mine. “I understand.”

“Zane, I’m sorry—”

“Don’t be. It’s not what I wanted to hear. But it’s what I needed to hear.”

I reach for his hand again, and reluctantly, he gives it to me. Bringing it up to my lips, I kiss the soft spot between his knuckles. “There’s a girl out there for you. One who will love you and appreciate you for the incredible person you are.”

When Zane stares at me, his eyes full of longing, it tears holes in my heart. “I know,” he says. “I just hoped it would be you.”


What's a book release without some teasers? My talented friend and critique partner, Leandra Wallace, made these incredible graphics which I absolutely adore. Enjoy!






Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to enter the giveaway below for the chance to win a $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD!!

Also, if you're on Instagram, join me and Michelle I. Mason, author of YOUR LIFE HAS BEEN DELAYED, tonight (Tuesday, July 26th) at 7:00 pm for an Instagram Live Book Launch Event where we'll talk about the Deception Game series, romance in dystopian books, my writing process, and more! Hope to see you there! <3



Author Bio:

Kristin Smith is the best-selling and award-winning author of the DECEPTION GAME series. Her first book, CATALYST, was a 2018 IAN Book of the Year Award finalist in the Young Adult category. When she's not writing, Kristin can be found planning her next Murder Mystery dinner party, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and sons. To read more about Kristin or her books, please visit her website at kristinsmithbooks.com.

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Monday, February 7, 2022

Cover Reveal! Unbreakable: The Deception Game #4

This has been a long time coming, but I finally, FINALLY, get to share with you the cover for the 4th and final book in the Deception Game series. This book should have released months ago, but I've had some issues with my editor meeting deadlines, so hence the delay. I'm excited to share with you the cover, blurb, and (dun, dun, dun) a GIVEAWAY! Who doesn't love free stuff, amirite?

This book is the culmination of 5 years of writing and revising and editing (and blood, sweat, & tears). I mean, I wrote a freaking book series! From multiple POVs! :) After more than 2 years, I finally have a book that wraps up the entire Deception Game series. Questions will be answered, and yes, you will finally know who Sienna ends up with (YAY!). I sincerely hope my readers love it (and if they don't that they pretend they do, lol)! Thank you for being on this journey with me, and for loving the first 3 books enough to read the 4th. My readers are seriously the best! Love to you all! <3 <3 <3

Of course, I also have to thank my very talented cover designer, Marya Heidel, with Strong Image Editing. She always does such a fantastic job on my book covers!

So, without further ado, I present the cover for UNBREAKABLE, the 4th book in the Deception Game series!

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Book Blurb:

From best-selling and award-winning author Kristin Smith comes the riveting fourth and final book in the Deception Game series.


A terrible discovery that will rock all their futures.


Armed with valuable information, Trey and the other members of the Fringe seek refuge in Pride, a neighboring province. But unable to trust his presidential host, Trey sets out to uncover if this new place holds friends or foes. In the end, it might not matter. Because he will do anything to save his people, including fighting a war for a government he isn’t sure he can trust.


Zane blames himself for the accident that incapacitated Sienna. He’s driven to recreate Re0Gene 2.0, the healing serum his father was working on shortly before his death. But not all ailments are meant to be fixed, and he must accept that he might not be able to cure everyone.


Sienna struggles with her new condition. When a highly experimental cure is offered, she doesn’t hesitate, despite the dangerousness of the situation. It’s her one chance to feel like herself again, no matter how risky the procedure might be. However, nothing can prepare her for the outcome.


Trina finds herself in unexpected circumstances when she and a small group survive the Zenith Camp bombing. Unfortunately, the place she thought would be a haven turns into a nightmare. As she cares for the wounded, she and the others devise a plan for escape. But with no weapons or resources, the chances for success are slim.


Pre-Order the Book!


***


I know I'm a little biased, but I just love how they all look together! My teenage niece guessed that the last one would be green, and she's right, lol. What do you think? Do you love the cover as much as I do?






About the Author:

Kristin Smith is the best-selling and award-winning author of the Deception Game series. Her first book, Catalyst, was a 2018 IAN Book of the Year Award finalist for the Young Adult category. When she's not writing, you can find Kristin planning her next trip (she LOVES to travel!), beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). She lives in North Carolina with her husband and sons. For more information on Kristin or her books, please visit her website at www.kristinsmithbooks.com.



GIVEAWAY!

Well, it wouldn't be a cover reveal without a Giveaway, so let's get to it! Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card! And remember, the more things you do (like Follow me on Instagram or Subscribe to my Newsletter, etc) the more entries you get. Good luck!

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